As of September 2024, global efforts to eradicate polio are nearing the finish line, but challenges persist. Polio remains endemic in only two countries—Afghanistan and Pakistan—where limited access to healthcare and ongoing conflict makes eradication difficult. However, new outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV), particularly Type 2, have emerged in regions with low immunization rates, such as Gaza, exacerbated by issues with the ongoing conflict.

 

To declare the world polio-free, regions must remain free of the virus for at least three consecutive years without new cases. Although wild poliovirus has been largely contained, ongoing vaccination and surveillance efforts are essential to preventing the resurgence of VDPV. Health experts warn that if eradication efforts cease, polio could once again paralyze up to 200,000 children annually. Thus, while the world is closer than ever to eradicating polio, the situation underscores the need for continued vigilance, vaccination efforts, and international cooperation to finally eliminate the disease from all corners of the globe. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has made significant progress, but the goal of eradicating polio by 2026 is now considered unreachable. The GPEI is preparing a strategy addendum with adjusted timelines, which will be available in the second half of 2024. Source: https://www.csis.org/analysis/global-polio-eradication-requires-counteracting-anti-un-anti-vaccination-forces

 

Rotary International continues to lead the charge against polio, having contributed over $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours since the 1980s. Their partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which matches Rotary's fundraising efforts 2-to-1, remains a critical financial backbone. Together, they raise up to $150 million annually to fund immunization campaigns, disease surveillance, and operational support in polio-affected areas.

 

We are planning activities to raise awareness for Polio+ and the 125 Club at an upcoming meeting. As you can tell, while we've made significant progress, much more work still needs to be done. For more on Rotary International's work to eradicate polio, see: https://www.endpolio.org/world-polio-day 

For a $1000 donation to the Rotary International Foundation, you can become recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF). You can make a one-time donation of $1000 and be awarded a PHF and recognition pin; or you can become part of a 4x4 group and pay $200 a year over 4 years ($800), our club pays $200, and then you receive your PHF and pin.  Each member of our club can participate nine times and receive a PHF pin each time.

 

Contributing to the "125 Club" also counts towards becoming a Paul Harris Fellow.  This fund raising event occurs in October.

 

Our club currently has 59 Paul Harris Fellows, 10 Benefactors, 87 Rotarian Donors, and 3 donations from non-Rotarians. Since the Dublin AM Rotary Foundation was started, we have given $390,890 to the International Rotary Foundation! This club is incredible! So giving and so generous.

 

If you would like to learn more and/or sign up to become a Paul Harris Fellow, please reach out to me at srobenalt@stratoswp.com.  I would love to help you learn about the opportunity that waits for you.

 

 

 

 

• Summer Soirée Perfect Party -Thanks to the planning committee led by Mike Isler and hosts Tim & Leslie Michaels for a wonderful event.  Photos are available here.
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• Dublin AM Rotary Weekly Meeting - GREETERS NEEDED - learn the names of your fellow club members and start their day with a smile. Greeters are still needed for October 11 and all of November. Sign up here.