Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative 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 US$50 million per year 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, putting children everywhere at risk.
Rotary has contributed more than US$1.8 billion to ending polio since 1985, including $9,876.98 contributed by the Rotary Club of Newnan.
Visit endpolio.org for more about Rotary and its efforts to eradicate polio and please join us tonight at the courthouse on the square, 7:15 PM when we light up to End Polio Now!