ROTARY CELEBRATES WORLD POLIO DAY – WITH PURPLE CROCUS
Back in 1985 when the Salk vaccine became readily available Rotary made a promise to the world’s children - that it would free the world from the scourge of polio.
At time Polio was endemic in virtually every country across the globe with some 400,000 new cases annually. Polio killed large numbers and left others with life-changing disabilities. Working in partnership with the WHO, UNICEF and other global health agencies, Rotary International has contributed some $2 billion in cash and, for much of the past 10 years, matched $2 for $1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Rotary has also provided countless volunteers to assist in the distribution of the vaccine particularly in the developing world so that, as of this year, polio remains endemic in just two countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan) and the number of new cases is well below 200. Earlier this year the whole of Africa was declared free.
To celebrate this global Rotary initiative and to publicise the ongoing programme towards complete eradication Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club bought some 4,000 crocus corms to be planted within our communities. The chosen crocus colour is purple – the same colour used when immunising children to show, by dipping their little finger in purple dye, when they have received the vaccine.
Prepared by Rtn Hugo Pike, Rotary Foundation Chair, Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge
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