Polio Day highlights Rotary’s commitment

The global eradication of polio has been a commitment by Rotary International since 1989.

Over the past 35 years, Rotary has seen 2.5 billion children being immunised against polio in 122 countries.

During this time, the Rotary Club, Knights Pendragon Edenvale, has donated towards the international effort for multiple years to help ensure children, worldwide, are immunised against the disease.

ALSO READ: Holy Rosary improves mental health by pausing smartphones

It is for this reason World Polio Day, observed annually on October 24, is a special commemoration at the club.

On World Polio Day, Rotary International and Rotary clubs across the world inform people about the severe harm polio can cause, especially in young children under five years old.

At present Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries in the world that are not polio-free yet.

The work in countries that are free of polio must continue. This includes immunising new generations.

If this does not happen it is predicted that in less than 10 years from now 200 000 children a year will become paralysed by polio thus diminishing their quality of life.

ALSO READ: Access to healthcare services helps fight against HIV/Aids

In South Africa, many Rotary clubs avail themselves of the three-day Rotary Health Day programme conducted at local clinics.

A feature of this programme is that polio tablets are distributed to children to fulfil the ongoing eradication of polio.

Visit https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/ending-polio for information about polio.

Alternatively, contact the Knights Pendragon’s president Andrew Paschailides on 083 229 3233 or club coordinator John Anticevich on 082 296 4779.