WORLD POLIO DAY IS OCTOBER 24
Smallpox is the only human disease ever eradicated. Let’s make polio the second.
What is Polio?
Polio is a paralyzing and potentially fatal disease that still threatens children in some parts of the world. The poliovirus invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours. It can strike at any age but mainly affects children under five. Polio is incurable, but completely vaccine-preventable.
How close are we to ending Polio?
Today, there are only three countries that have never stopped transmission of the wild poliovirus: Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. These polio cases are the most difficult to prevent, due to factors including geographical isolation, poor public infrastructure, armed conflict and cultural barriers. Until polio is eradicated, all countries remain at risk of outbreaks.
Why is Rotary Pemberton involved?
Polio is a vaccine-preventable disease. No child has to suffer from Polio. It is entirely vaccine-preventable. Rotary Pemberton is part of the global Rotary initiative to end polio. You can help too.
What can I do?
Thanks to a 2-to-1 match from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, every donation made to Rotary to end polio will be tripled. Donate today by visiting: endpolio.org/donate
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