Local Rotary works to End Polio in the world

Ethiopian children walk down the path on their way
to be vaccinated against polio

Lake Forest Park Rotarian Janette Lemme went to Ethiopia with now District 5030 Governor, Ezra Teshome in 2003. Photos are from her trip for the End Polio program.

By Marj Ando, Lake Forest Park Rotary

Polio Plus Eradication: A Worldwide Challenge began when the World Health Assembly resolved to wipe out the disease that had killed and paralyzed people for over 5000 years.

Rotary International Foundation's Polio Plus Program offered to be part of the program to eradicate the disease by immunizing children worldwide.

At the time, in 1985, the disease killed or crippled more than 1000 people a day, most of them children, in 125 polio endemic countries. It seemed to be a daunting task, but Rotarians have continued to be steadfastly committed to lead the initiative. Rotary and its partners: The world Health Organization, UNICEF, the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation continue to work together in this effort.

Janet Lemme administers two drops of vaccine
into a baby's mouth to protect against polio

Through this program, 2.5 billion children, worldwide, have received the vaccine. 99% of cases have dropped to fewer than 700 a year worldwide. Yet, polio still robs children of their future in 3 countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria.

While we are "this close" to make polio the second human disease to be eradicated, the unprecedented opportunity to ensure that no child will ever have to endure t this devastating disease, will remain as Rotary's legacy. Rotary remains dedicated and has helped to raise US$1 billion for the fund and helped solicit financial support from donor governments as well as private donors and organizations, resulting in over $9 billion in contributions. While the financial aid is essential, so are the over 1 million Rotarians who have contributed volunteer hours, administering vaccines, and, in training and working with workers in those countries to administer the vaccines.

Who are the Rotarians? Rotary Club was formed in 1905 by Paul P. Harris of Chicago. It became the world's first service club organization. With over 1.2 million business and professional men and women worldwide, they are dedicated to volunteering their expertise, time and financial support to provide service for their local communities in 34,000 clubs in 200 countries around the world.

Janette Lemme poses with some of the children that she
vaccinated against polio

They come together in fellowship and service while promoting high ethics and leadership skills. They also support humanitarian needs through Rotary's Six Areas of Focus:

1. Peace and conflict prevention and resolution
2. Disease prevention and treatment
3. Water and sanitation
4. Maternal and child health
5. Basic education and literacy
6. Economic and community development

"Rotary continues to the be the heart and soul of polio eradication, supporting the program directly while also taking on a larger role in encouraging other donors to give more." --Bill Gates, Co-chair, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation