Ukraine had been at particular risk of emergence of a cVDPV strain of polio, due to inadequate vaccination coverage. In 2014, only 50% of children were fully immunized against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases. There were two recent cases of polio confirmed which points to the importance of continued diligence in polio immunization. Although Polio has almost been eliminated, work continues by large nationally coordinated immunization efforts such as one done in India earlier this year. Past District Governors Penny Offer and Chris Offerjoined our luncheon last Wednesday to relate their experiences of their taking part in a national immunization day blanketing India and reaching 190 million children under 5 years of age.
It is difficult to grasp the enormity of these logistics. In the 5 day immunization campaign in India, roughly 110,000 vaccination teams, 200 million doses of Polio Vaccine, 191 million homes visited and 170 million children immunized in just one day. Yet this is scale required not only in India, but in other polio sensitive countries. Thanks to Penny and Chris for bringing us this message and how Rotary and Rotarians have been participating, supporting and talking about Polio since the mid-80's.
Our meeting was a bit unusual today as we acknowledged 5 past members of the RC Vancouver Chinatown and 3 current members of the RC of Ladner. Thank you Lincoln Yeung, Linda Wong and Wilbur Walrond for visiting our club.
Stay tuned, as later this year several members of our club will undertake a Push-up challenge to raise funds and awareness for our Rotary Club and for End Polio. More updates will follow.
Rotary Shaping Leaders of Tomorrow
Leadership is an essential aspect of Rotary. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership development program sponsored by Rotary Clubs. It is offered to secondary school students, university students, or young professionals. It ranges from 3 to 10 days and include presentations, activities, and workshops that cover a variety of topics, including: Leadership fundamentals and ethics Communication skills, Problem solving and conflict management Community and global citizenship.
There are 3 RYLA programs in our district. RYLA North is Fast Approaching!! Sept 25th to 27th for ages 19-30 in Prince George. Our club has been sponsoring young people to attend RYLA.
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