AS district citizens sat down for a Sunday roast they were told that eradicating the crippling disease of polio this year will be Rotary’s greatest ever achievement.
More than 50 people gathered at the Rotary Club of Kerang’s headquarters for the international philanthropic group’s third annual World’s Greatest Meal fund-raiser.
Developed by Rotary International, the initiative aims to raise funds for the organisation’s efforts to ensure the world will see its last case of this disease, as predicted.
But, the milestone that’s brought the end of polio in sight doesn’t mean Rotary has reached the end of its work, insisting eradicating the virus is tied to its future.
Rotary International has worked to eradicate polio for the past 50 years, with more than two million children having received a polio vaccine.
Polio symptoms vary from mild, flu-like symptoms to paralysis and possibly death.
The late effects of post polio cause muscle weakness and fatigue years after a bout of polio.
Since 2014 more than $6.1 million has been raised globally, which translates to enough funds to buy more than 10 million polio vaccinations.
Afghanistan and Pakistan remain prevalent to the disease, which is spread through contact with food, water or hands that are contaminated with faeces or throat secretions of an infected person.
There are currently 10 cases in Afghanistan and five in Pakistan.
“The ideas has grown around the world to the point where there are now only a handful of countries still experiencing this crippling disease, and thanks to the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, every dollar will be backed by a two to one match,” Rotarian, Colleen Scriven said.
“Three years must pass before the world can be certified polio free. During that time we must continue to immunise children, continue to monitor the environment for signs of the virus, and keep awareness high.”
