MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Ormoc Bay on Wednesday, Oct. 24, launched its anti-polio drive to support the Rotary International’s advocacy and commitment to free the world of polio.
The group, with its president Apple Anido Alagon, immunized 68 children at Barangau Tambulilid, Ormoc City.
“Thankfully, because of Rotary's advocacy to eradicate polio, the Philippines has been certified polio-free in the year 2000. But we still need to vaccinate the kids to ensure that we will not have cases in the future,” said Lalaine Marcos, Rotary Club of Ormoc Bay’s director for public relations.
“That's why, every October 24 which is World Polio Day, Rotarians always hold polio vaccinations to call attention to the dreaded disease, and also create awareness that vaccines are safe and will save lives,” Marcos told SunStar Philippines.
During their activity, Dr. Rodrigo Capahi, officer and member of the club, gave a lecture to the parents on why immunization, in general, is important and how they can end polio globally.
The group was joined by city health workers headed by Cecille Arindain and Barangay Kagawad Esterlina Gabon.
Since rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative nearly 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to just 37 cases in 2016, according to the organization.
“To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, Rotary has committed to raising US$50 million per year over the next three years in support of global polio eradication efforts,” the Rotary said.
It reported that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match Rotary’s commitment 2:1.
Along with its partners, the rotary said it has “reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide since its first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.”
“We are close to eradicating polio, but we need your help. Whether you have a few minutes or a few hours, here are some ways to make a global impact and protect children against polio,” the group said.
Meanwhile, Alagon urged the public to “build awareness and become an advocate” to totally eradicate polio in the world.