The Rotary Club of Aurora will mark historic progress toward a polio-free world while urging community support to end the paralyzing disease.
An event , October 24, among thousands, will be held by Rotary organizations across the globe on World Polio Day.
Rotary members in the Aurora area are among millions reaching out on World Polio Day to raise awareness, funds, and support to end polio, a disease which can be prevented by vaccine and still threatens children in parts of the world today.
WHAT: World Polio Day Live Streaming Event
WHO: Rotary Club of Aurora, Ill. www.aurorarotary.org
WHEN: October 24, 2018 @ 5 p,m, to 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aurora, RSVP required
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 22 cases in 2017. 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 & 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, and put children everywhere at risk.
Rotary has contributed more than $1.87 billion to ending polio since 1985, including more than $50,000 contributed by the Rotary Club of Aurora.
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 more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, by helping families in need in their own communities.
— Rotary Club of Aurora