Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 30 years. Our goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever.As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we've reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979. We've helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. So far, Rotary has contributed more than $1.8 billion toward eradicating the disease worldwide.
Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. But it's crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,00 children each year. (Rotary International)
Photo below shows Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) member, Steve Nikirk, presenting a cheque for $250 to President Ray Walker to go toward Polio Plus. The BHA joined Rotary in the Little Mountain clean-up and its members decided that they wanted to do more. The Rotary Club of Parksville AM is delighted to have formed this partnership with such a dedicated and compassionate group.
