RI President 2019-20 Mark Daniel
Maloney - October 2019
================
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
Rotary's long-term, sustained battle against polio has defined our
organization for decades. We have a right to be proud of all that
we have accomplished through the years.
Our progress is real and noteworthy. In 1988, polio was endemic
in 125 countries, with more than 350,000 new cases a year worldwide.
Since then, Rotary and our Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners
have reduced the incidence of polio by more than 99.9 percent, vaccinated
more than 2.5 billion children against the virus, and prevented
18 million cases of paralysis. Over the years, Rotary has helped
country after country move into the polio-free column. This includes
India, which some considered impossible not long ago. Of the three
types of poliovirus, type 2 has been eradicated and type 3 could
soon be certified as eradicated. Nigeria has not reported a case
of wild poliovirus in nearly three years. If this trend holds, we
will be down to just one type of wild poliovirus in only one section
of the world, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
There are major challenges in that region. But it is crucial that
we remain optimistic. Look at all that we have accomplished so far.
This is no time to get discouraged or to think that the task is
impossible. We will end polio forever, but only if we remain steadfast
and vigilant. World Polio Day is a time for Rotarians from all over
the globe to come together, recognize the progress we have made
in our fight against polio, and plan the action we must take to
end polio forever. The key word is action, because we still have
important work to do.
This year, we want to see as many Rotary clubs as possible holding
World Polio Day events around the world. Need some ideas? How about
organizing a viewing party for friends and club members to watch
Rotary's Online Global Update? You could also dedicate a club meeting
to World Polio Day or create a fundraising event. Remember, every
dollar raised is matched 2-to-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation.
Once you have created an event, register it at endpolio.org/register-your-event.
Then promote it using the World Polio Day toolkit, available at endpolio.org/world-polio-day.
Mark your calendar to tune in to Rotary's World Polio Day Online
Global Update on 24 October. This year we will stream our program
on Facebook in multiple time zones around the world. Visit the Rotary
International Facebook page to RSVP to your region's program. And
do not forget to follow the event on social media and share it with
your network.
When we reach our goal, polio will become only the second human
disease eradicated on the planet, and Rotary will receive international
acclaim. But what matters most is the children who will never again
have to face this terrible, disabling virus. Rotary must continue
to connect the world in the effort toward polio eradication. It
is up to us. Let us finish the job.
Mark Daniel Maloney
President 2019-20
Trustee Chair's Message - Oct.
2019
Gary C.K. Huang, Trustee
Chair 2019-20
Rotary Club of Taipei
Taipei, Taiwan
Trustee chair's message
Ni hao, Rotarians!
Friends, World Polio Day is this month and we are
facing a major challenge. The news out of Afghanistan
and Pakistan tells us that we have more work to do.
It tells us that polio will not die out quickly or
easily.
Most of all, it tells us that we are needed now more
than ever. Success will require us to remain steady
and show that there is no time limit to our commitment.
We are in this to the end, and we will conquer this
terrible disease. We will give life back to children
and families, and restore hope to communities.
We are fortunate to have great friends in the Global
Polio Eradication Initiative — including the
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which continues
to match every donation 2-to-1. We have already eradicated
wild poliovirus type 2, and type 3 could soon be wiped
out. India is polio-free. All of Africa may soon be
polio-free.
The most important factor in ending polio forever
is you. The people of Afghanistan and Pakistan have
faced so much hardship in recent years. Polio is just
one more challenge. To them, it could all feel overwhelming.
But not to Rotarians. We do not feel overwhelmed.
We feel challenged, and, as people of action, we rise
to challenges.
In the words of Confucius: "If one is virtuous,
one will not be left to stand alone. It is certain
that associates of like mind will come and join with
one." In Rotary, we understand these words very
well. When we say "Service Above Self,"
we take a stand for this virtue. We know that our
like-minded brothers and sisters around the world
will join us. We have been drawn together by our need
to do good in the world.
We can rid the world of a disease forever. And you
will be the ones to do it, through your continued
commitment and generosity.
Be a part of history! Help us overcome the final hardship,
the final challenge. Make your donation at http://www.endpolio.org/donate.
Gary C.K. Huang
Trustee Chair 2019-20
Copyright © 2003-04
Rotary eClub NY1 * Updated 2019
Design & Maintenance of this site by TechnoTouch
e-Strategists
|
