Press Release from RIBI

July 2002

ROTARY LAUNCH NEW CAMPAIGN TO FULFIL PROMISE TO ERADICATE POLIO
Europe declared polio-free

Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland is launching a new campaign today to raise additional funds required to eradicate polio by 2005. The campaign, 'Fulfilling our promise:eradicate polio' will last for one year from July 1st 2002 with the goal of raising £3 million. This is part of a global campaign to raise $80 million to meet a $400 million funding gap that threatens the polio eradication programme. The funds raised will be matched or surpassed by funding from the World Bank, the Gates Foundation, and the United Nations Foundation.

In 1985, Rotary International launched PolioPlus, a 20-year commitment to eradicate polio. Rotary was recognised by the World Health Organisation as a non-governmental organisation working in the field of international health. The number of polio cases has declined by 99 per cent in the 16 years since Rotary made polio eradication the highest priority. Europe has recently been certified a polio-free area joining the Americas and the western Pacific.

Because of the changed priorities following the terrible events of September 11th, it is now clear that without a special effort governments, agencies, non-governmental organisation and the private sector will not be able to fill the funding gap. To date Rotary has contributed $462 million for the protection of nearly 2 billion children. By 2005, Rotary's financial commitment will be more than $500 million. Rotary looks to celebrate the global eradication of polio in 2005, the organisation's centennial year.

In addition to fund raising Rotary volunteers assist in mass immunisation campaigns including vaccine delivery, social mobilisation, and logistical help in co-operation with the national health ministries, WHO, UNICEF, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Tony de St Dalmas, President Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland comments "Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus that mainly affects children under the age of five. There is no cure for polio; it can only be prevented by vaccine given several times. The crippling virus has disabled nearly 20 million people living today. Rotarians in Great Britain and Ireland have an obligation to ensure that polio is eradicated by 2005 and I am confident that the clubs will rise to the challenge."

Press enquiries to Judith Diment 01628 672965 or 07860 162313 email judithdiment@aol.com

Notes for Editors
Rotary is an organisation of business and professional persons united world-wide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. Their motto is: Service above Self.

For general information on Rotary in your area, contact the local Rotary Club President. Details from Robin Freeman: 01789?765411 www.rotary-ribi.org; www.rotary.org;

For information on polio see www.polioeradication.org;www.who.net; www.unicef.org

For photos see www.endofpolio.org