Scott Rainey, a long-term Rotarian and Past-District Governor spoke to us about Polio Plus - End Polio Now. He showed us slides and videos of the history of polio and the polio plus program and why we keep working towards polio eradication. The program began in 1985, when 740 children a day were contracting polio. Almost 40 years later, there have been only 22 cases so far this year - 20 in Pakistan and 2 in Afghanistan. There have been some breakouts of vaccine-derived polio in other parts of the world, including one recent-vaccine derived case in NY in an unvaccinated person. Polio is also being seen in some sewer systems in NYC and London, so we need to vigilant. So far, $2 billion has been raised for the Polio Plus program. When successful, it will be the 2nd disease that will be eradicated after small pox. The challenge today is gaining people’s interest and getting out the story. Since most people in US, especially younger people, don’t know someone who had polio, it has become a big challenge to tell the story.
Scott also showed us the District 5870 numbers for funds raised for Polio Plus. In 2021-22 - $39.44 per capita. $85,000 total. Our club raised $2538, which was a strong number. The goal for the District this year is to raise $250,000, which is $115 per Rotarian. Those funds would allow over 83,000 children would get vaccinated. Rotarians can join the Polio Plus Society by giving $1000 year. Scott urged us to do something around World Polio Day on Oct 24 and create awareness beyond the room! In that vein, at the end of the meeting, Scott, President Sally, and our host Lupe, each took a “pie” in the face while we raised over $1200 for Polio Plus!