The Program last Wednesday highlighted Rotary's fight against polio, and how Rotary's work has helped the world fight the coronavirus.
Rotarians and others have shared their successes and strategies on fighting polio with health experts to address the pandemic vaccine rollout. Important information passed on to organizers, including contact tracing and worker training, have helped in the initial stage of the pandemic. Other important lessons learned include setting up emergency operations centers, managing data, and getting access to remote areas. Organizers understood that engaging the help of trusted community influencers is key to acceptance of the validity of the vaccine.
There are similarities between the early polio fight and the corona virus. In the 1950s, there was propaganda against the polio vaccine when it was first tested. But, over 1 million children volunteered to be tested, and their efforts ultimately paid off with a successful vaccine.
Today, the wild polio virus is only found in two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Through Rotary International and its partners, we continue to get close to eradicating polio from the planet. We can help this cause by signing up for Rotary Direct, to commit to a donation on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis. Rotary Direct
Contact Kristy Vandenberg for help on getting set up: kvandenberg1909.gmail.com
