The Rotary Club of Toronto Skyline supports the End Polio Now initiative through fundraising, including events such as the Toronto Wing Wing Festival.
This 24 July 2015 marks an important milestone in the fight to eradicate polio: one year since Nigeria’s last case of wild poliovirus. That’s the longest period the country has gone without a case of the disease. This achievement has particular significance, because Nigeria is one of only three countries in the world in which polio is still endemic. When the disease is eradicated in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, the world will be free of polio.
Rotary International launched the first effort to immunize all children against polio in 1985. Since then, Rotary members have been unflagging in their leadership to end this disease, donating their time and personal resources to protect children everywhere. The leadership of Rotarians has been critical to helping the world see this remarkable progress: Africa going its longest period to date without a case of polio. Rotary members will continue to play a crucial role as we now take the final steps to end this disease. Play a part in making history. Visit endpolio.org to donate and learn more
Important Facts:
- July 24 marks one year since the last case of wild poliovirus in Nigeria. This is the longest Nigeria has ever gone without a case of polio, and it’s a critical step on the path toward a polio-free Africa.
- Rotarians played an essential role in helping Nigeria (on 24 July)
and Africa (on 11 August) reach one year without a case of polio. - Rotarians have donated $688.5 million to fight polio throughout Africa, including more than $200 million for Nigeria.
- Rotarians have contributed countless hours to immunize children.
- We are on the cusp of a polio-free world. But we aren’t there yet. We need to go two more years without a case of polio in Nigeria to certify the African region polio-free. Rotarians, governments, and other partners must continue to keep polio eradication a top priority.
- The efforts of Rotarians — raising funds, advocating with governments, and raising awareness — are now more important than ever.
- Until polio is eliminated everywhere, it can return, so we must continue to protect all children from this disease, particularly those in hard-to-reach and under-served areas.
- Through efforts to end polio in Africa, the world learned important lessons and best practices, which are already being applied to tackle other health issues.
Rotary Club of Toronto Skyline 