Posted by John Germ, Past Rotary International President, and Chair, End Polio Now Countdown to History Fundraising Campaign Committee 2016-17 Rotary International President

Dear Rotarians , Rotaractors and the Rotary family in District 7070,

As scientists work to develop a vaccine for COVID-19, World Immunization Week (24 -30 April) provides an opportunity to recognize the importance of immunization against all vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio. 

For over 40 years, Rotarians have never wavered in fulfilling our commitment to the children of the world to end polio. Today, the polio infrastructure Rotary helped build – including its tools, workforce, and extensive surveillance networks – are being used to also help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by supporting preparedness and response activities in many countries, including Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan. This illustrates our legacy to global health and the “Plus” in PolioPlus......

Our goals this year for contributions to PolioPlus have not changed, but the opportunity to do good in the world has increased, and there has never been a more important time to donate to PolioPlus. In order to receive the full 2:1 match from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary must raise $50 million for polio eradication.

While many Rotarians, clubs and districts are making significant outright contributions to support their local communities during the pandemic, we also ask that districts consider donating 20% or more of their District Designated Funds (DDF) to polio. There is a surplus of DDF, and this is an important opportunity for districts to put those funds to good use. Click here to designate your district’s DDF online. Click here for a PDF in English.

Additionally, we continue to encourage each Rotary club to consider giving $1500 or more.

Rotary made a bold choice to take on the task of eradicating polio.  And the promise of ending polio is one of our defining acts as a leading international service organization. We must fulfill our promise, we must maintain our commitment to end polio now and we can do this with every vaccine we deliver, with every community we reach, and with every dollar we give.
 
Together, we will excel in our role, we will get the job done and we will make a safer, healthier world for future generations.

Sincerely,


John F. Germ

Chair, End Polio Now Countdown to History Fundraising Campaign Committee
2016-17 Rotary International President

 

Be sure to watch this video dated January 2020: