ROTARY Club of Salamander Bay, along with Rotarians from around the world, are on a mission to eradicate polio.
It started in 1978 as a Rotary initiative and Rotary has been on the front foot in eradicating polio ever since,
Rotary has been providing financial contributions, advocacy governments, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF and the Gates Foundation.
Polio cases are down 99.9 percent globally from 350,000 cases registered in 1988 to eight cases to date in 2017.
However the Rotary Club of Salamander Bay’s Geoffrey Basser told News Of The Area, “Polio anywhere in the world is a risk everywhere in the world.”
“Only the global eradication of polio will ensure that no child ever again suffers its devastating effects,” he said.
Rotary Clubs like Salamander Bay are part of the movement that is committed globally to reach every child by contributing $50 million per year over the next two years to see the end of polio,” he said.
Three lifesaving drops of serum at 60 cents is all it takes.
Action is being taken locally by the Rotary Clubs of Port Stephens, who are raising funds to eradicate polio.
The World’s Greatest Meal, a red- and gold-themed event, will be conducted at the Soldiers Point Bowling Club on 30 August.
Keynote speaker Susanne Rea of Cairns Sunrise Rotary will be there.
With the help of Rotarians globally she has inspired and influenced the raising of US $8.5M over the last four to five years.
Susanne now travels worldwide, speaking on the need to support total polio eradication by 2018.
Salamander Bay Rotary and its co-hosts will be delighted to have members of the community attend this event.
Phone Geoffrey Basser on 0409820567 to find out more.
By Marian SAMPSON