"When we talk about The Rotary Foundation and POLIO PLUS, we know we are eradicating polio world-wide, but do we realize how many added benefits the program brings?" asked Albert Tien, Rotary District #6630 Polio Plus Chair. The “plus” is something else that is provided as a part of the polio eradication campaign. It might be a hand-operated tricycle or access to water. It might be additional medical treatment, bed nets, or soap. A 2010 study estimates that vitamin A drops given to children at the same time as the polio vaccine have prevented 1.25 million deaths by decreasing susceptibility to infectious diseases.
Did you know that the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), of which Rotary is a spearheading partner, funds 91 percent of all immunization staff in the World Health Organization? And the partnership between Rotary and the Gates Foundation has yielded $2 billion, in addition to the countless volunteer hours Rotarians give to fight polio since Rotary started its PolioPlus program in 1985.
Help us continue to make a difference in the lives of children. Go to rotarydistrict6630.org and rotary.org to learn more. #PolioPlus
