Rotary Club of Locks Heath

Locks Heath Rotary helps Africa region to be wild Polio Free!

Locks Heath Rotary has played a role in a significant global public health achievement, as the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Africa region has officially been certified wild polio-free. Polio is a debilitating disease mainly affecting children, which can cause paralysis and even death. This incredible milestone is the result of decades of effort from volunteer members of Rotary clubs around the world, who have fundraised, campaigned and worked tirelessly since Rotary pledged to rid the world of polio more than 30 years ago. Locks Heath Rotary has played their part by fundraising through local street collections supporting World Polio day on the 24th October each year, sale of purple crocus and rotary umbrellas together with fun fundraising events including wine and cheese tasting evenings. President John Murray said, “This is a terrific

landmark in the world’s battle to eradicate polio. Although it has been many years since polio has been present in the UK and Ireland, we are proud to have contributed to the global efforts to eliminate the disease for good.” “We remain committed to making the final, challenging steps towards making a polio free world a reality.” “If we don’t finish the job, it is estimated that, within 10 years, as many as 200,000 children annually all over the world could succumb to polio, including here in the UK. The virus can literally be a plane ride away so vaccination is so important.”

Despite this significant milestone being reached, the job to fully rid the world of polio goes on, as the virus continues to circulate in parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Rotary has directly contributed more than US$2 billion to ending polio since 1985. In order to sustain this progress, vaccination programmes must continue to protect every last child and strengthen routine immunisation to keep immunity levels high, so the virus does not return to Africa or other parts of the world, including the UK. You can donate via our web-site

https://www.locksheathrotary.org.uk https://facebook.com/LocksHeathRotary/

To get involved in Rotary and make a difference in your community and around the world, visit

https://www.locksheathrotary.org.uk

ABOUT Locks Heath Rotary Locks Heath Rotary has been serving the community of Fareham West for 48 years. The club currently has 20 members and meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 7.00pm https://www.locksheathrotary.org.uk https://facebook.com/LocksHeathRotary/ https://twitter.com/lh_rotary Below, Locks Heath Rotary Banner on the International Space Station