Rotary Foundation Minute

The extensive polio-eradication infrastructure created by Rotary, its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, governments and health ministries provides a model for saving millions of people from vaccine preventable deaths.  The massive infrastructure that has been created encompasses millions of trained health workers as well as best practices and knowledge, which now can be used to combat other infectious diseases and to undertake other critical health interventions.

Detailed micro-planning and mapping, the tracking of migrant groups, social mobilization programs and systematic training and employment of vaccination teams can now be applied to other health initiatives.  The network now used in the surveillance of polio cases can be used to handle other diseases, including measles, tetanus, meningitis and yellow fever.   It has also assisted in the global response to the outbreak of SARS, to floods in Pakistan, and to the tsuami in Southeast Asia.  Most recently, Nigeria used the infrastructure and surveillance system to end the deadly Ebola outbreak.

“For 30 years, Rotarians have worked tirelessly to eradicate polio from 99% of the world,” says Michael McGovern, Chair of Rotary’s PolioPlus Committee.  “Their efforts have not only ended polio in 122 countries, but they’ve also created a roadmap for the world to tackle a myriad of other health priorities.  This is something all Rotarians can be proud of accomplishing.”

Your continued support of The Rotary Foundation made this happen.  Thank you.