The recent emergency declaration by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul after finding poliovirus in sewage samples has underscored the need for Rotary’s eradication efforts to continue.
Rotarians began the PolioPlus Program in 1985 to provide immunizations to children around the world. Internationally, club members have provided more than $2 billion to immunize 3 billion-plus children in 122 countries.
“We’ve been diligent in the work to eradicate polio around the world; however, the news from New York shows there’s work to be done in our own country as well,” former Rotary Club International President John Germ says. “As Rotarians, we step up to meet needs wherever they are and will be encouraging our members to do even more to promote immunizations.”
Even though the state of Tennessee notes that more than 85% of children have been vaccinated, there has been a drop of nearly 3% in immunizations against the disease since last year.
The Chattanooga Rotary Club has been focused on eradicating the disease for many years, providing $132,694 to support the effort over the last five years alone.
“Each year, Rotarians provide funds that go toward the eradication of polio,” Rotary Club President Virginia Anne Sharber says. “Last year, our club members donated $34,764 toward the effort, and with the recent finding of the virus reemerging in our country, it’s important to emphasize the importance and the ease of immunizations.”
The infrastructure Rotary was instrumental in building to fight polio has also been used to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus by supporting preparedness and response activities around the world.
“The ‘Plus’ in PolioPlus has never been more important than it is today,” Sharber adds. “Our legacy to global health is one we take seriously and it’s our hope that parents throughout the region will make sure their babies receive immunizations that can set them on a healthy course for the future.”
Source: Rotary Club of Chattanooga