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Rotary International The 4 Way Test
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Polio PlusIn 1985, Rotary International launched the PolioPlus program to protect children worldwide from the cruel and fatal consequences of polio. Decades ago, polio outbreaks were a constant threat around the world. After the introduction of polio vaccines by Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin and a steadfast immunization effort, these outbreaks became part of history in most of the world. Yet many still live uner the threat of polio, which is why Rotary and its global partners are committed to reaching every child with the vaccine and ending this devastating disease worldwide. In 1988, the World Health Assembly challenged the world to eradicate polio. Since that time, Rotary's efforts and those of partner agencies, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and governments around the world, have achieved a 99 percent reduction in the number of polio cases worldwide. With its many worldwide partners, Rotary stood at the brink of a great victory and looked forward to celebrating the global eradication of polio in 2005, the organization's centennial year. That victory is still awaited. While the number of polio cases has decreased by more than 99 percent and the number of polio-endemic countries has fallen from 125 to 4, polio is still present in our world. The number of polio cases globally was an estimated 50 percent less in 2007 compared to 2006. In the four polio-endemic countries (Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan), wild poliovirus circulates in very limited geographic areas. Recently, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded The Rotary Foundation a $100 million challenge grant, which Rotary will match dollar-for-dollar over a three year period. It is the largest grant ever given to a volunteer organization by the Gates Foundation and represents a tremendous validation of the approach and success of the PolioPlus program. The Rotary Foundation has accepted the challenge grant at a critical juncture in the polio eradication initiative, which needs an infusion of funds to reach the eradication goal. The initial $100 million will be distributed by The Rotary Foundation through grants to the World Health Organization and UNICEF in direct support of polio immunization activities in 2008. Rotary has committed to raising $100 million of new funds over a three-year period beginning January 1, 2008. This new PolioPlus fundraising effort was formally launched July 1, 2008 and will be completed by December 31, 2010. This is Rotary's response to the Gates challenge grant. Rotary club and Rotarian participation in this effort is crucial to making it a success. Each club, including the Fond du Lac Morning Rotary Club, is being challenged to organize public fundraising efforts to raise a minimum of $1,000 annually for the next three years. The Fond du Lac Morning Rotary Club has agreed to raise and contribute a minimum of $1,000 annually for the matching grant program of the Gates Foundation to eradicate - once and for all time - polio in our world. "The extraordinary dedication of Rotary members has played a critical role in bringing polio to the brink of eradication. Eradicating polio will be one of the most significant public health accomplishments in history, and we are committed to helping reach that goal." For further information, see web link below:  |