Rotary invites public to celebrate World Polio Day on Oct. 24

The Rotary Club of Belleville is encouraging all citizens to become informed and encouraged by the result of efforts to eradicate polio worldwide.
The sixth anniversary of World Polio Day is on Oct. 24, the anniversary of the birth of polio vaccine pioneer Dr. Jonas Salk.
Rotary International, today consisting of over 1.2 million men and women, in 33,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas, began its efforts against polio in the mid 1980s.
In 1988 polio paralyzed 350,000 worldwide. Today that number is fewer than 15. In 1988 polio was found in more than 125 countries. Now that number is three.
Are we done? Not yet. Total eradication is the goal since active viruses can evolve into other strains of the disease which may resist current vaccines and perpetuate the pain and suffering of this terrible affliction.
Since Rotary began its polio eradication efforts in the 1980s it has brought many partners into the mix. The efforts and resources of these partners — CDC Global, Gates Foundation, UNICEF, United Nations foundation, and WHO — have made the current success levels possible.
World Polio Day also honors the unsung heroes, usually volunteers, whose selfless work delivering vaccines or working behind the scenes to eliminate diseases like polio and others makes the current success possible.
The public interested in learning more and celebrating World Polio Day live on Oct. 24, is encouraged to KUDO on Google Chrome, fill out the form and click submit. Or contact [email protected]. A recording will be available shortly after the event on endpolio.org.