On 24 October, we mark World Polio Day. It is a time to reflect on the progress we've made and to strengthen our determination for the work ahead.
It's important to realize how far we've come. We have reduced the number of polio cases by over 99 percent, from more than 350,000 a year in the 1980s to 223 in 2012. But now for the road ahead: Polio is still endemic in Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Difficult terrain, civil unrest, remote settlements, and poor sanitation are just some of the obstacles to immunization. That's why we, and our partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, are determined to finish our work.
With the announcement of the extended fundraising partnership between Rotary International and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation at the 2013 RI Convention in Lisbon, Portugal, we have the chance to introduce millions of new dollars into the campaign. The value of this extended partnership is more than $500 million, and through it, your contributions toward polio eradication will work twice as hard.
It's more important than ever that we all take action. Talk to your government leaders, share your polio stories on your social networks, and encourage others in your community to join us in supporting this historic effort. When Rotarians combine their passion for service with our strong global network, we are unstoppable. With the backing of the Gates Foundation and you, the Rotarians around the world, we can change the face of public health forever.
D K Lee
Trustee Chair 2013 - 14
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