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.
During our last meeting, I announced World Polio Day and referred to our activity, “Purple Pinkie Day” as our function and fundraiser at our next meeting on Tuesday 23rd October.