Rotary's Polio Efforts - November 5, 2007

STAR POWER ADDED TO ROTARY’S POLIO EFFORTS

November is Rotary Foundation month, and it is the Rotary Foundation’s efforts worldwide that have helped to reduce the incidence of poliomyelitis to almost nothing in the world today. That eradication effort began for Rotary in 1986, when there were nearly 1000 new cases every single day. Now, there are many fewer than 1000 newer cases every year.

Rotarians from all over the world take part in National Immunization Days (NIDs) during which they administer oral polio vaccine to young children in the affected countries. Because it’s an oral vaccine, the one administering the medicine does not have to be a doctor or nurse – and that is why the ordinary Rotarian can get involved and make a difference.

Recently, Rotary International News reported that a little “star power” was added to this polio effort in Ethiopia. An excerpt follows:

Rotarians taking part in a polio immunization campaign in Ethiopia recently enjoyed a boost of star power for the eradication effort. Singer Beyoncé Knowles, scheduled to perform in Addis Ababa, met the group and helped administer the oral polio vaccine before taking the stage on 20 October.

"Beyoncé was so impressed with Rotary’s commitment to not only provide funding but to make the trip to administer the vaccine," said Ezra Teshome, of the Rotary Club of University District of Seattle, Washington, USA, who led the effort. Teshome immigrated to the United States from Ethiopia in 1971 and has headed up seven other immunization drives in his homeland.

The fight to end polio has made significant progress in Ethiopia, which has not reported a single case of the disease this year. The country recorded 22 cases in 2005 and 17 in 2006 after an outbreak in the Horn of Africa.

In addition to raising and contributing funds, over one million Rotarians have volunteered their time and personal resources to help vaccinate more than two billion children in 122 countries during national immunization campaigns.

Source: Rotary International News - 30 October 2007