Polio by the Numbers:
As of October 16, 2019, there were 88 new cases of polio in the world. These were in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They represent a bump in the road over 2018’s total of 33 cases. Much of the increase, I attribute to Taliban curtailed immunizations in Pakistan.
World Polio Day this Thursday!
World Polio Day is October 24th. I hope that you have something going on in your Club to raise awareness of our number one effort in the world. On World Polio Day, the Global Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication (GCC) is expected to declare poliovirus type 3 (WPV3) as globally eradicated (yes, there are three strains). If you do not have plans yet, it is not too late to attend or host a Watch Party for the broadcast of the 2019 World Polio Day! here. World Polio Day (EPD) and End Polio Now (EPN) viewing events are innovative and creative to attract a wide audience. The 2019 World Polio Day will highlight the stories, heroes, impact, and strengthened public health infrastructure throughout the world.
Some of our Zone's World Polio Day (WPD) Events include:
- Several musical festivals on or around WPD
- Music and talent shows in communities and several that engage high school students
- 'Recitals with a Cause'
- Painting purple pinkies at events with EPN information
- Wine tasting and dinners
- Beer tasting and fundraisers - 'Pints for Polio'
- Several evening fundraisers while viewing WPD Video
- Sporting events with portion of admission going to PolioPlus
- Restaurants donating a percent of the food ordered going to
EPN
- Combining UN and Rotary educational programs with EPN
- End Polio Now Proclamations - city and regions
Raise Awareness Through Social Media
Rotary provides a wealth of public image information and resources for you to utilize in sharing Rotary. Take a few minutes and have your own photo with a People of Action message. Just go into the Rotary Brand Center for Materials, and then click on Create Your Own. Easy to create your own image, not only for polio, but also for other Rotary messaging!
District to Match your Club's Contribution?
This year, our District 5950 is taking advantage of Rotary International’s dollar for dollar matching of DDF. Whatever your Club donates to polio this year (end Jun 30, 2019) that is over your donation last year, will be matched up to $2000 in unused District Designated Funds (up to $30K aggregate for all Clubs). The DDF amount will then be matched 1:1 by Rotary International. Then, Bill and Melinda Gates will match the entire amount 2:1! That’s huge leverage on your dollar!
Resources!
There are several resources readily available on the Rotary web site and also on the End Polio web site https://www.endpolio.org/world-polio-day Resources include registering your event; hosting viewing party ideas; information on polio along with infographics; press releases; etc.
Would you go on a Polio National Immunization Day?
Have you ever thought about going to another country and participating in a National Immunization Day (NID)? RRFC Pat has been at NID Days in India and Nigeria and it is a tremendous experience. I happened to be in India working on a Rotary project at a hospital and joined in with the multi-day events. In Nigeria, I joined our last Group Study Exchange (GSE) team during a time when there were attacks on polio health workers.
For anyone that has gone on a Polio NID, they will tell you it is a remarkable event to see a whole country or community focused on polio immunizations!
You now have a chance to go on a very well organized Polio NID! The Government of India is planning to hold a polio National Immunization Day (NID) January 19, 2020. Howard Tours will be organizing a group program to Delhi and Uttar Pradesh to participate in the NID and house-to-house activities. This will be the 32nd such trip they have organized to take North American Rotarians to participate in a polio NID.
Along with participation in the polio immunization activities, you will meet with the World Health Organization and local Rotary clubs in Delhi and Jaipur. Howard Tours will also take a couple of days to travel to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and Jaipur to see the Pink City.
Tentatively, the group will depart on Friday, 10 January from North America and return on January 21, 2020.
Howard Tours is owned and managed by Rotarian Brad Howard, a past RI Board Member that is committed to ending polio. While final details are pending, if you would like more information, please contact Jolene R.Bortz, Manager, Howard Tours by e-mail at jbortz@howardtours.net or by phone at (510) 834-2260. These trips typically sell out within two weeks after the registration material is available.
Yours In Rotary Service,
Tim Mulcrone
District 5950 Polio Chair
952-239-1594
