Polio was recently confirmed in Syria, a
country that has been free of this disabling and potentially fatal disease since
1999. In response, health
authorities in Syria and neighboring countries have launched urgent, large-scale, multi-country immunization campaigns to ensure
that every child is reached with the polio vaccine.
In the wake of World
Polio Day, these and other recent
polio cases in previously polio-free countries serve as a stark reminder that as
long as polio still exists, unimmunized children everywhere remain at risk.
Rotarians, as leaders from all continents,
cultures and occupations, have been active throughout the region to raise
awareness and build support in the fight to end polio:
EGYPT
In coordination with the Egyptian Ministry of Health, Rotary
clubs in Egypt will support and help raise awareness of the national
immunization activities in November.
JORDAN
In September, district and national Rotary PolioPlus
committees in Jordan visited the Minister of Health to offer support for the nationwide
measles, rubella and polio vaccination campaign scheduled this week.
Rotarians secured funds for updated equipment needed to
vaccinate more children, and are raising public awareness to encourage families
to immunize their children by posting large ‘End Polio Now’ signs in Arabic on
major streets in Amman.
LEBANON
Rotary Clubs have joined with the Lebanese Ministry of
Health, WHO and UNICEF to help vaccinate children, particularly those from
displaced families below the age of five.
Rotarians will help raise awareness in their communities and provide
volunteer support during national immunization campaigns scheduled for early
November and December.
TURKEY
Rotarians are establishing a coordinating committee in
Turkey and approaching the Ministry of Health to offer their support.
BULGARIA
Rotarians in Bulgaria are working with the Red Cross
to lead a campaign to collect food, baby food and diapers for Syrian refugees. On World Polio Day, Rotarians and Rotaractors
handed out ’End Polio Now’ flyers printed in the local language to help raise
awareness.
_________
We know that if polio remains endemic,
outbreaks will continue to occur, and that’s why the progress being made in the
three remaining polio-endemic countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria) is
encouraging. Polio cases in the endemic countries are down by 40% compared to
the same time last year.
We, as Rotarians, remain steadfast in our
commitment to a polio-free world, and we will continue our efforts until polio
is gone forever.
Bob Scott
Chair, Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee
