District 9930 Rotarians have been strong supporters of PolioPlus for many years and we are confident that this support will continue until the job is finally done.The final push was always going to be the hardest, and possibly the most expensive.
To finally put the nail in the coffin of polio we have to find, reach and vaccinate, the most remote children on the planet, over and over again.
While 3 doses of polio will protect our children those who are malnourished may require ten or more doses to achieve protection.
When the occasional cases of polio do occur tracking, surveillance and immunisation programmes are intensified to ensure the virus cannot spread. The work Rotarians do on the ground in negotiating with religious and community leaders in some of the most hostile regions of the world is nothing short of amazing. In countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria, as well as other countries vulnerable to the virus, the work goes on tirelessly, and will continue to do so.
So, what can we, in our polio-free, New Zealand do to support our fellow Rotarians in their work? What can we do to help Rotary keep its promise to the children of the world that they will ALL live in a world free from the threat of polio?
1. Fundraise and/or Donate. The estimated cost of the polio Endgame Strategy is US$5.5 billion. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation continue to match your fundraising by $2 for every $1. Your personal donation will count towards your personal, or clubs, Paul Harris recognition and your clubs annual Rotary Foundation giving. In addition to your clubs usual fund-raising activities you could: buy an End Polio Now badge through your District Polio Committee (cost includes a donation to PolioPlus). Have a Purple Pinkie Day street collection in the week of World Polio Day. Hold a World’s Greatest Meal event.
2. Build awareness. Talk about polio eradication, to anyone and everyone! Tell Rotary’s PolioPlus story. Follow End Polio Now on social media. Share posts through your personal and club social media accounts. Wear your End Polio Now badge. Invite a Rotarian from your District Polio Committee to speak at a Rotary meeting or community function.
3. Advocate. Sign a petition urging world leaders to fund the final push to end polio. Write to your government officials, or better still invite them to a Rotary meeting to learn what they can do to support our fight against polio.
Purple Pinkie Day is a great way to tick some of the boxes above. The website provides advice on holding a street appeal as well as resources for a Purple Pinkie Day event in your local primary or intermediate schools.The End Polio Now website has a great resources page.
Once you have held your event tell the world, or us at least! Write a short article and send a photo to your local newspaper, the District website or District newsletter.