The Rotary Club of Morrison, IL, will mark historic progress toward a polio-free world, while urging community support to end the paralyzing disease. Rotary members are among millions reaching out on World Polio Day, Tuesday, Octber 24, 2017, to raise awareness, funds, and support to end polio. This is a vaccine-preventable disease, that still threatens children in parts of the world.
Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative nearly 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to just 37 cases in 2016. To sustain this progress and protect all children from polio, Rotary has committed to raising $50 million per year over the next three years 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.
Rotary has contributed more than $1.7 billion to ending polio since 1985, including contributions by the Rotary Club of Morrison.
Merle Reisenbigler, left, heads the Polio Plus Committee. President Bradley Yaklich is shown presenting a $1000 check from Morrison Rotary to support polio eradication.
About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs, in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international level, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.
Visit endpolio.org for more about Rotary and its efforts to eradicate polio.
If you would like to share your own stories of polio and/or make a contribution to Rotary’s “End Polio Now” efforts, speak to a Rotarian or e-mail the Morrison Rotary President, Bradley Yaklich at dryaklich@gmail.com.