Submitted by: PDG Robert L McLean, Region 36/Zone 29 End Polio Now Co-Coordinator
The recent detections of the poliovirus in New York and the United Kingdom made big headlines and has helped increase the awareness that Polio continues to be a global threat. Earlier this year, an unvaccinated man in New York was paralyzed and poliovirus was detected in sewage in London. It is an important reminder that until the entire world is certified Polio Free - the return of polio is just a plane ride away. The unfortunate event in New York actually helps amplify how important vaccinations are AND that there is still much work to be done to end polio once and for all.
Quoting Rotary International's coordinator of communications for End Polio Now (Reg Ling from the UK):
" So, as we move into 2022-2023, the recent outbreaks demonstrate we must not be lulled into any sense of complacency. Infectious diseases can bounce back so eradication must continue"
The media coverage can serve our clubs as a helpful seque to promoting World Polio Day and World Immunization week! Through a review of some excellent resources available through Rotary International and the global team of Rotary volunteers, are are some things to consider:
1.World Polio Day and Beyond
World Polio Day is coming up fast, Monday - October 24. In preparation for World Polio Day consider using your "FOUNDATION MINUTE" this week to share this brief video (only 1:33 minutes) by RI President Jennifer Jones highlighting Rotary's efforts to End Polio Now with a special "Shout out" for the PolioPlus Society. President Jen is an exceptional speaker and delivers a great message in less than. It is a message all Rotarians would enjoy hearing. https://youtu.be/rV7Fnj6vF8Q
If you have a little extra time (3:22 minutes, another impactful video comes from District 5950 Polio Champion, Tim Mulcrone, who explains Rotary's efforts to rid the world of polio and he does this speaking from INSIDE an Iron Lung. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS4RjEHgMKY
The BEYOND in the World Polio Day and Beyond is an amazing event focusing on World Polio Day AND a healthier future for mothers and children.
It will be a hybrid event (live and virtual) on 21-22 October. For those who happen to be in Geneva next weekend, you can register and attend in person 😊. The event will provide a very current update on the status of polio eradication and introduce some promising community-based solutions that go beyond immunizations to enhance the health of mothers and their children. This is a collaborative event between Rotary and the World Health Organization! Here is a brief video (44 seconds) from RI President Jen highlighting the event.
2. Register your club World Polio Day event.
Please consider posting your club's World Polio Day event on the End Polio Now website https://www.endpolio.org/register-your-event
Many clubs have done things as simple as "Pints for Polio" with a favorite local pub, some dedicate the day nearest World Polio Day to view videos and presentations on Rotary's efforts to EPN, some sponsor scavenger hunts, fun run(s), etc. If you don't yet have an event, visit the website for ideas! Registering your event is a great way to share ideas for this AND future years.
2. Here is the list of World Polio Day Activities being arranged by Rotary International
17 October – The World Polio Day Video will be released to clubs that registered their event on endpolio.org
21 October: 15hrs to 18hrs, Central European Time – World Polio Day and Beyond Event – This event is being held in Geneva and will be available to view virtually.
24 October: World Polio Day- The World Polio Day video will be available on endpolio.org
4. The World Rotary Polio Goals for 2022-2023 are similar to 2021-2023:
World Polio Day is a good time remind your club to put their polio and Foundation goals into Rotary Club central
Rotary International also encourages the following for Polio Plus:
- $1500 per club,
- Establish club goals per person
- 20% DDF with encouragement to make the donation EARLY in the Rotary year
- Establish a PolioPlus Society program in the District with a club PolioPlus Society Champion
- Again - plan and register your event(s) for World Polio Day and World Immunization week event
5. Where are we today in our efforts to EPN? 29 cases of Wild Polio Virus.
Pakistan 2020 - Total 84 2021 - YTD 1 2022 - YTD 20
Afghanistan 2020 - Total 56 2021 - YTD 1 2022 - YTD 2
Mozambique 2022- YTD 7
We are still on track for eradication. All of the Pakistan cases are in one area and the environmental samples are decreasing.
This slide below shows local cases in Pakistan as compared to 2020. The small cluster (2022) is a remote mountainous war zone allowing Rotary and its partners to focus sharply on vaccination campaigns.
