Polio Update

The good news continues on the eradication of polio and with it we hope your club will stay involved in the final push to finish the job.  After 10 years from the year 2000 where the program seemed to have stalled, real progress has been achieved over the last 3 years.  Yet with the global recession we now need every bit of commitment we can muster to stop it all going to waste.

So, for those not up to date, first the good news.  At 3^rd October there have only been 154 cases of wild polio virus worldwide compared to 429 at the same stage of last year.  Even better, the only country this year with wild polio outside of the 3 endemic countries has been Chad, with 5 cases compared to 114 at this stage last year.  Last year there were an additional 12 countries, mostly in Africa, with wild polio virus. Of the three endemic countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan have halved case numbers, but Nigeria’s numbers are well up.

So for the third year running worldwide numbers have been halved or better. What greater encouragement could we possibly need.

And now for the bad news.  The funding required over the next 2 years to complete the job is not secured.  As a result immunization programs have already been cut back in 24 at risk countries.  Overall costs are estimated at $2.19 billion (all figures are US dollars) over the two years, with a shortfall of $90m for the rest of 2012 and $700m for 2013 although there are strong prospects for raising $400m of that. 

Rotary International has again stepped up and in the last couple of weeks announced our commitment by pledging another $75m over the next 3 years, so our club contributions are important.

One possible fundraiser your club might like to consider is to look at a movie premier fundraiser, specifically The Life of Pi due for release in NZ on 6^th December, although this may vary with your location.  This film premier has been offered exclusively to Rotary in Australia as a fundraiser, and while we have not been given the same consideration in NZ it still presents as a great opportunity, so why not get someone on your club organizing it now.  Google or You Tube will take you to promo trailers for this movie which looks to be cast to a wide age group.

If your club requires resources contact the committee.  We have available ‘This Close’ moneyboxes for collecting small (or big if you so desire) change and which could well help promote your club by sitting on business counters and committee members are available to speak to your club.

Keep up the good work and if your club has not previously supported Polio Plus why not help give it that last little push.

Neville Gimblett – Rotary Club of Levin   06 363 7182

Michael Fagg – Rotary Club of Karori         04 476 3122

Sharon Duff – Rotary Club of Wanganui      06 3453383