CREATING A WORLD THAT WILL BE POLIO FREE

Message from IPPC chair Robert S. Scott

World Polio Day on 24 October 2013 is quickly approaching and we have much to celebrate.  Not only have the efforts of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative led us 99% of the way to eradication, we continue to make progress.

Here’s why:

1. Polio cases in the three remaining polio-endemic countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria) are lower than they were at this time last year.
2. No cases of type 3 wild poliovirus have been reported since 2012.
3. The generosity of Rotarians is helping to sustain the momentum of the polio eradication initiative, particularly through our continuing financial support.  Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have extended our partnership through the “End Polio Now: Make History Today” campaign, which now promises that one dollar spent by Rotary results in three dollars to the initiative (up to US$35 million a year through 2018)  due to two dollars being added by the Gates Foundation.

Despite this progress, we still face challenge that must be overcome to realize a polio-free world. The previously-polio free countries of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia are facing an outbreak. We know that such outbreaks will continue to threaten polio-free countries until transmission is stopped in the endemics once and for all. And health workers in some areas of Pakistan and Nigeria remain at risk due to insecurity. These brave workers remain dedicated to the fight to end polio.

As the Chairman of Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee, I ask you to remain committed to Rotary’s mission of a polio-free world.  Please visit endpolionow.org to join in.  Watch Rotary’s Livestream event on 24 October 2013. On World Polio Day, we want you to advocate, donate, and share your voice. We are truly “this close” to making history.

Robert S. Scott