Rotary members in Jefferson are among millions noting World Polio Day, October 24, to raise awareness, funds and support to end polio – a vaccine preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today.
Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to just 22 cases in 2017.
To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, Rotary has committed to raising US$50 million per year in support of global polio eradication efforts. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match Rotary’s commitment 2:1.
Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk.
A portion of the proceeds from the Jefferson Rotary Club’s annual dinner and auction goes to Rotary International’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Tickets for the auction, slated for Nov. 9 at the Greene Room at Wild Rose Casino in Jefferson, are available at www.jeffersonrotary.org or by calling ticket chairperson Travis Dvorak at 515-386-7777.
Rotary has contributed more than US$1.8 billion to ending polio since 1985, including funds from the Jefferson Rotary Club.
