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End Polio Now
Why Our Polio Eradication Support is So Important

by Bob Hagan, District Foundation Chair

What is the #1 initiative of Rotary International? ERADICATE POLIO! This brings me to two topics I want to touch on this month. One is a bit concerning and the other quite uplifting. Let me start with the one that is a bit concerning. I was sent an article for review last month that was published in the “Medscape Medical News” and was written by Annie Lennon.

The title of the article was, “Polio Virus Detected in Europe: Cause for Concern?” The article raised a concern over the fact that the vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 was found in the wastewater systems in five countries - Spain, Germany, Finland, the United Kingdom and Poland. The concern of course was the fact that it placed under-vaccinated people at risk. The author stated that the analysis showed a “wide genetic variation among the samples between and within the countries.” The positive to this story is the fact that the majority of the population in these countries are well vaccinated and that to date no cases have been reported. She also went on to state that the overall risk was very low for the vaccinated population. Certainly, this is excellent news. Still, the reason I point this out is that although we as Rotarians continue strong in our efforts to rid the world of this disease, we must always remain vigilant in those efforts. For if this type of discovery can be found in areas of the world we feel quite confident about, what does it say for the areas of the world where we are still striving to protect those who may not be quite as vigilant?

On an extremely positive note, I came across some information I know you will all be extremely pleased to hear. The World Health Organization (WHO) has mobilized 17,500 vaccinators in the areas of Karachi and four districts in Baluchistan in Pakistan with the expressed goal of vaccinating upwards of one million children under the age of five. They will be using the special pain-free jet injectors to distribute the vaccine against paralytic polio. Quite interesting! This is wonderful news as Pakistan is one of the two main areas of concern we have been so faithfully working to bring into a Polio free zone. Efforts such as these give far more than hope for our completing our worldwide goal of a Polio Free World. This type of effort demonstrates that we will never rest until we achieve it and Rotarians continue to work with all to lead the way!!

Let’s continue to join forces and make this goal a reality!! Let’s continue to work together to END POLIO NOW!


Posted by Bob Hagan
March 30, 2025

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