Rotary Club of Ashland marks World Polio Day Oct 24th.

Event among thousands to be held by Rotary across the globe on World Polio Day – Oct. 24 

Ashland, OH – Rotary members in Ashland are among thousands reaching out on World Polio Day to raise awareness, funds and support to end polio – a vaccine preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today.   

 

The Ashland Rotary Club will raise the End Polio Now flag at Ashland Municipal Building.  Mayor Glen Stewart will read a proclamation in support of ending Polio around the World. 

WHAT: End Polio Now Flag Raising

WHO: members of the community and members of the Ashland Rotary Club

WHEN: Monday, October 24th at 9:00 am

WHERE: Ashland Municipal Building 206 Claremont Avenue Ashland

Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative nearly 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to 27 confirmed as of October 19, 2016.  To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, experts say $1.5 billion is urgently needed. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk.  

“We are really close to eradicating the crippling disease around the world.  My worry is that with 27 cases, we become complacent and stop participating this process.  Health care workers in Pakistan have been killed giving the oral vaccine to children.  The least I can do is contribute and feel good that I played a role in eliminating this disease”.  Lee Peters – Rotary International Foundation Chair , Ashland Rotary Club. 

Rotary has contributed more than US$1.6 billion to ending polio since 1985, including $25,000 contributed by the Rotary Club of Ashland.   

About Rotary

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Visit endpolio.org for more about Rotary and its efforts to eradicate polio.