Rotary International Takes Strides to Eradicate Polio in Malawi and Worldwide
Rotary International is taking proactive measures, including polio awareness campaigns, to bring an end to the disease in Malawi and around the world.
LILONGWE, Malawi - Rotary International's Polio Plus Coordinator for Malawi, Irshaad Mahomed, has reaffirmed the organization's unwavering commitment to combat polio and contribute to its global eradication, writes Moses Nyirenda.
Rotary International is taking proactive measures, including polio awareness campaigns, to bring an end to the disease in Malawi and around the world.
Speaking on the sidelines of the "End Polio Walk, Run, and Bike" event organized by Lilongwe-based rotary clubs in Lilongwe, Mahomed emphasized that eradicating polio is a paramount goal for Rotary International.
He stated, "Polio eradication is one of Rotary's biggest drivers; so far, Rotary has managed to immunize about 2.5 million children across the world. We have brought polio down to 99.9 percent, and we are here to fight the battle until we no longer have polio in the world."
The "End Polio Walk, Run, and Bike" event was not only aimed at raising awareness about polio but also at sourcing funds to provide immunizations for polio to children globally.
Mahomed affirmed Rotary International's dedication to conducting more activities to contribute to the worldwide eradication of polio. He urged communities to support their cause by making donations.
"We hope to have more campaigns for polio and encourage communities to come out and support our cause by donating towards it. Let us eradicate polio for good; let polio be the second pandemic to be eradicated after the eradication of smallpox," Mahomed expressed.
Mahomed expressed his gratitude to organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF for their partnership with Rotary International in the fight against polio.
He also acknowledged the support of local entities, including Centenary Bank and Red Cross, which played a crucial role in the "End Polio Walk, Run, and Bike" initiative.
One of Malawi's prominent health activists, George Jobe, commended Rotarians for their unwavering commitment to combating polio.
He stressed the importance of stakeholders like Rotarians coming forward to support the fight against polio, as this support plays a vital role in saving lives from the disease.
Rotary International embarked on its mission to combat polio in 1979, primarily providing immunizations to children worldwide through the "Polio Plus Campaign," which was established in 1985 by Rotary International and its partners.