Joined: 07 Jul 2007
Posts: 43
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R I President's Message for January 2008
Since 1988, when polio eradication efforts began, Rotary
International has been a spearheading partner in the fight to end the
disease. Longtime Rotarians know the history well. There have been
triumphs and setbacks. There have been times of rapid advances and
times when progress has seemed slow. There have been times when the
end seemed very near. But never has it been nearer than it is right
now.
Before the campaign to eliminate polio, about 1,000 children a day –
350,000 a year – were paralyzed by this terrible disease. These
children were left to a life of struggle and disability, and often of
social stigma. Today, only four countries are still polio-endemic,
and annual cases of polio paralysis are down to about 1,000 a year.
We've come so far, yet the nature of the wild poliovirus means that
if we slacken our efforts for even a moment, we'll soon see our hard
work reversed. We have only two options: to press on with
determination and faith until we succeed, or to lose everything we've
invested and everything we've gained.
The generosity of Rotarians in responding to the call for help has
been astounding. We've raised more than US$600 million to support
polio eradication in 122 countries. We've saved the lives of
thousands of children through the polio vaccine and the vitamin
supplements distributed with it, and we've saved countless more from
the often desperate realities of postpolio paralysis.
Now we're in the final stretch of this long and difficult, but
exhilarating, race. It's literally a question of choice – to win or
lose, succeed or fail. Our partners around the world have recognized
how critical this juncture is, and many have stepped in with added
support, financial and practical. The recently announced grant of
$100 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a resounding
vote of confidence in polio eradication efforts. Their financial
support will be invaluable in the months ahead, and their trust in
Rotary is an honor to us all.
Many of you have already given so much to the battle against polio.
Each of you is forever a part of history – part of Rotary's legacy
and its gift to the world's children. Today, we call on all
Rotarians – but especially on new Rotarians who have not been a part
of campaigns in the past – to do what they can, to help in any way
they can, to finish this fight once and for all.
Wilfrid J. (Wilf) Wilkinson
President, Rotary International |
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Ron Nethercutt
PP, PAG, TRF Alumnus, PHF+4
ROTI Internaltional Chair 07-09
D 3790 GSE Chair
RC Clark Centennial
Angeles City, Philippines |
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