Rotarians in polio mercy dash to India
Rotarians in polio mercy dash to India
170 million children, aged up to five years old, will be given the life-saving polio vaccination on one day, 4th November, thanks to Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign.
The trip to India will see 33 Rotarians are flying out to India to join local Rotary members and health agencies and immunise millions of tiny vulnerable children in the hardest hit areas. The trip is particularly poignant as India has not had any new cases of the disease for nearly two years (last recorded case 13th January 2011).
The volunteers will be working in the Delhi slums and surrounding high-risk villages, reaching and protecting millions of children. This includes house-to-house visits for impoverished families who could not travel to the vaccination booths.
Trip organiser Rotarian Mike Yates says the extra help makes a big difference: “We go out twice a year to help Rotary clubs in the area reach as many children as possible. There are regular vaccination events throughout the year but these larger National Immunisation Days (NID) draw huge numbers of children and families. We have a curiosity value which attracts children in the slums and remote villages who do not meet many British people.
“India is now off the endemic list but this does not mean the disease is gone. India needs to have three complete years with no new polio cases. During that time Rotary will keep immunising every child to spare them from a life of crippling disabilities and pain. We will not know if India is officially clear until January 2014.
“Although hugely rewarding, this is not an easy trip. We will see startling sights of poverty, people literally in gutters trying to make a living, and people who have been crippled by polio and can barely crawl let alone walk. The knowledge that we are helping others to have a better life, through End Polio Now and other active Rotary projects, keeps everyone motivated.”
The immunisation drive is part of Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign, which has been leading the way since the early 1980’s. Thanks to Rotary’s efforts, the number of endemic countries has dropped from 125 to three: Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. India was removed from the endemic list earlier this year but must not record any new cases in order to be classed as officially polio free in January 2014. There is always the threat of re-infection from migrant workers and people seeking refuge from war-torn countries who may be carrying the virus.
Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland (RIBI) President John Minhinick says the commitment to eradicating polio will never fade: “Rotary volunteers fund their own airfares and accommodation. Their reward is knowing that they are saving children’s lives. Thanks to dedication, fundraising, going out to these countries and giving the vaccine, we are now, hopefully, looking at saying goodbye to polio. It has taken nearly 30-years of hard work by Rotary, and partner organisations, to arrive at this point and you can be sure the work will not stop until the disease is officially gone for good."
Everyone can help save lives. To donate to End Polio Now or to join Rotary, contact your local Rotary club.
Thursday, 4 October 2012