When Rotary first began to work toward the eradication of Polio, in a promise to the children of the world, there were on average over 350,000 cases of polio a year. Some recovered, many were permanently crippled and others died of this terrible disease.
Today (12/10/2023) there are only 7 cases in the world, one in Afghanistan and six in Pakistan. Now we have the chance to rid the world of this disease and allow future children to live life without having to worry about catching it. However, even when the two remaining countries have no more cases, the vaccinations still have to go on for three years before the countries can be declared Polio Free.
In Rotary, we have a saying that scares people (and it is meant to): "Polio is just a plane ride away".
Together, let's stop Polio - Now!