(Chelsea Update would like to thank Lori Coryell for the information in this story.)
Chelsea Rotary Club members are among millions reaching out on World Polio Day on Tuesday, Oct. 24 to raise awareness, funds, and support to end polio – a vaccine-preventable disease that still threatens children in all parts of the world today.
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 just 37 cases in 2016.
To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, Rotary has committed to raising $50 million per year over the next three years in support of global polio eradication efforts.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match Rotary’s commitment 2:1. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk.
Rotary clubs worldwide have contributed more than $1.7 billion to ending polio since 1985, including funds contributed by Chelsea Rotary Club.
Visit www.endpolio.org for more about Rotary and its efforts to eradicate polio worldwide or visit Chelsea Rotary Club to learn about the ways Rotary is supporting this effort locally.
The Rotary Club meets on Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. at the Common Grill.
