The recent emergency declaration by New York Governor Kathy Hochul after finding Poliovirus in sewage samples has underscored the need for Rotary’s eradication efforts to continue. Rotarians began the PolioPlus Program in 1985 to provide immunizations to children around the world. Internationally, club members have provided more than $2 billion which has immunized over 3 billion children in 122 countries.
Former Rotary Club International President John Germ noted, “We’ve been diligent in the work to eradicate Polio around the world; however, the news from New York state shows that there is work to be done in our own country as well. As Rotarians, we step up to meet needs wherever they are and will be encouraging our members to do even more to promote immunizations.”
Even though the State of Tennessee notes that over 85 percent of children have been vaccinated, there has been an approximate drop of nearly 3 percent in immunizations against the disease since last year. The Chattanooga Rotary Club has been focused on eradicating the disease for many years, providing $132,694 to support the effort over the last five years alone.
Rotary Club President Virginia Anne Sharber said, “Each year, Rotarians provide funds that go directly toward the eradication of Polio. Last year our club members donated $34,764 toward the effort and with the recent finding of the virus re-emerging in our country, it’s important to emphasize the importance and the ease of immunizations.”
For over 40 years, Rotarians have never wavered in fulfilling their commitment to children around the world. Today, the infrastructure Rotary was instrumental in building to fight Polio has also been used to help prevent the spread of COVID by supporting preparedness and response activities around the world, said officials.
“The “Plus” in PolioPlus has never been more important than it is today,” said Ms. Sharber. “Our legacy to global health is one we take very seriously and it is our hope that parents throughout the region will make sure their babies receive immunizations that can set them on a very healthy course for the future.”