World Polio Day is Monday, Oct. 24. Most Americans have lived in a polio free world since 1979, so why have a world day recognizing polio?
The poliovirus is highly contagious, and spreads person to person affecting mostly children, usually through contaminated water. It can infect the nervous system and cause paralysis. There is no cure, only prevention by vaccination.
In 1985 Rotary International vowed to rid the planet of the poliovirus. Since then, more than 1.4 million Rotarians globally have honored the commitment by raising $50 million which is matched $2 for every contributed dollar by the Gates Foundation and coming to $150 million annually. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is an organization spearheaded by Rotary in partnership with the WHO, CDC, UNICEF, the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, and The Gates Foundation with a singular goal - to eradicate polio everywhere.
Today, polio remains endemic in only Afghanistan and Pakistan. But until it is eradicated globally, no country is safe from a potential re-emergence of this devastating disease. Polio is “just a plane ride away.” Vaccine complacency in the USA has added to our vulnerability.
In June of this year, we were reminded that the world and therefore the USA is not yet immune. A young unvaccinated man in New York was infected becoming paralyzed by poliomyelitis. Poliovirus has since been detected in the wastewater of four counties in New York.
Rotarians around the world and in Wayne America are fighting for a ‘polio free’ world. Rotary International has made a commitment to the children of the world to eradicate this devastating disease not only with the funds to provide vaccinations, but with volunteers at vaccination events. Wayne Rotarians have given generously to the Polio Plus Foundation and are supporting Omaha Rotarian Gary Bren in his Ride to End Polio in Tucson, Arizona on Nov. 19. He will ride 102 miles with the goal of raising $30,000 in sponsors which will be matched for $150,000.
October 24 is World Polio Day, a day to celebrate progress, persevere in the fight, and dream of the day when polio will be eradicated globally. On this World Polio Day, Wayne Rotarians, committed to Service above Self encourage everyone to learn more about efforts to end polio globally. Please visit www.endpolio.org. If you want to learn more about Rotary, End Polio Now, or contribute to Gary’s Ride to End Polio, please contact Barbara Engebretsen, baengeb1@wsc.edu or better yet, join us at Tacos & More Wednesday mornings at 7:00!
Additional information on the case of paralytic poliomyelitis in New York City can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7133e2.htm
