Read about positive developments in the fight against polio:
Ethiopia
Ethiopia recognizes African Vaccination Week (AVW) – Ethiopia has remained polio-free for the last several years, but remains at high risk for re-infection due to its proximity to countries in Africa with re-established transmission. In their effort to remain polio free, officials are engaging in a range of vaccination and public awareness campaigns. During the recent African Vaccination Week, ceremonies were organized to highlight the importance of community health, and the theme of the event was “Put mothers and children first; vaccinate and stop polio now.” A walk was held to raise awareness and funds for the effort.
Ethiopian Airlines flies high to help End Polio Now – Ethiopian Airlines has offered its support for polio eradication by agreeing to provide two free airline tickets for volunteers traveling to participate in Ethiopian NIDs activities.
India
Rotary helps launch Pulse Polio program in West Bengal – On 25 June the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, launched a week long polio immunization campaign. She kicked off activities by immunizing several children with polio drops, and encouraged all parents to follow her example and get their children vaccinated. West Bengal is the only state where a polio case has been reported so far in 2011, and the event was seen as an important way to generate public support for the eradication effort. The program was organized by Rotary, and the activities received wide media coverage.
Rotarians plan South Asia Summit – Rotarians, under the leadership of Rotary International President Kalyan Banerjee, are planning to organize a conference in September including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. The summit is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka and will renew focus on polio eradication efforts in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. India’s historic progress in the fight against polio will serve as a jumping off point for discussions about other important health concerns for people in the region. The conference will also address Rotary’s interest in promoting education and peace through scholarship opportunities. Rotarians also hope the conference will provide a forum for discussing ways to extend Rotary’s reach into new countries like Vietnam, China and Myanmar.
Nigeria
New advocacy team sees role for Rotary in monitoring activities – The high level advocacy team that was inaugurated in June of this year recognized that one of the primary challenges to ending polio transmission in Nigeria is the quality of teams in the field. It was noted that Rotary can play an important role in helping to supervise and monitor activities among volunteers. Rotary clubs also serve as an important source for additional volunteers during National Immunization Days. The National PolioPlus Committee Chair for Nigeria, Busuyi Onabolu, has encouraged his fellow Rotarians to increase their visibility and presence during this crucial stage of the polio eradication effort.
Pakistan
Vaccine carriers go hi-tech – WHO has installed GPS tracking devices on some vaccine carriers being utilized for polio eradication activities in Pakistan. The device is made by US company called “I Got You” and costs $20. The movement of the vaccinator can be tracked via Google Earth and can determine which houses were visited. The devices are being tested on just a portion of vaccine carriers, but it is hoped that more funding will be provided to increase availability of the tracking devices for monitoring purposes.
Polio jingle goes mobile – The National PolioPlus Committee Chair Aziz Memon helped to organize the production of an inspiring video about polio eradication called “Do Boond” which in English means two drops. The video includes vocals by a popular singer Salar Khoso and tells the emotional story of a young girl who has contracted the polio virus. Recently, the video was added to a mobile float on display at DCO Kambar Shahdadkot Secretariat, and the video was played for officials in advance of July 2011 National Immunization Days (NIDs) activities. Those who viewed the video had a strong response to the poignant message and pledged their commitment to help end polio in Pakistan. It is hoped that the video can be used for more social mobilization activities in the future. To view the video, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq_NPcCFekE.
Aseefa Bhutto launches anti-polio drive in Pakistan – In honor of her mother’s, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, commitment to vaccinating children against polio, Aseefa Bhutto, ambassador for polio eradication, launched an anti-polio campaign on 20 June. The daughter of the former prime minister was the first child to be officially immunized against polio when the campaign was launched in 1994. President Asif Ali was present at the ceremony to support his daughter’s efforts to make Pakistan polio free and fulfill her mother’s mission. The Benazir Income Support Program has joined in the polio eradication campaign to help increase the scope of the program.
NPPC in Pakistan organizes public awareness seminars – NPPC Chair Aziz Memon helped to organize seminars for community leaders, students and the public at large to help raise awareness about polio in the high risk areas of the country. So far seminars have been held at Frontier Medical College in Abbottabad, and at several schools and the district council hall in the Chitral area.
Program News
International Monitoring Board (IMB) meets in London – At their July meeting in London, the board reviewed progress being made by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and made several recommendations for addressing challenges over the next six months. In their report they asserted that polio eradication is “entirely feasible” but that heightened attention is needed at all levels and the $590 million funding gap for activities through 2012 remains the single greatest threat to success.
UNICEF Executive Director Tony Lake highlights commitment to polio – At the Annual Session of the UNICEF Executive Board, Executive Director Tony Lake outlined the organization’s agenda for the coming year. In his remarks, he reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to reaching the most marginalized children in the world, and he included as a primary example the organization’s commitment to polio eradication. He said “as a lead agency on helping governments build and maintain the vaccination supply chains, UNICEF has a critical role to play.” Mr. Lake has made 3 visits to polio-affected countries in the last year, including DRC, Angola and Pakistan, and indicated these trips had strengthened his resolve to help eradicate polio once and for all.
Final Reports/Audit Reports due for 2010-11 PolioPlus Partners – As the 2010-11 program year has now come to a close, we want to remind National PolioPlus Committee Chairs that final and audit reports are due for all PolioPlus Partners grants approved last year. If you have not already done so, please submit your reports to Amy Young, Senior Coordinator, PolioPlus Partners, and contact her at amy.young@rotary.org if you have questions or need assistance with the report process.
Media Relations Corner
PR grants can help your districts get the word out – PR Grants are a great way to enhance public awareness of Rotary, particularly the fight to end polio. Districts can apply for funding to place “This Close” Public Service Announcements and to fund 23 February illumination events. The early bird deadline is July 15th and the regular deadline is August 15th. Additional information is here: http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/RunningAClub/InformingTheCommunity/Pages/PRGrants.aspx
Start planning now for World Polio Day – World Polio Day is 24 October, and it is a great opportunity to highlight Rotary’s commitment to polio eradication. Let us know what you are planning so that we can share your stories with other Rotary clubs and districts.
New ‘This Close’ campaign participants – we have three new participants in the ‘This Close’ public awareness campaign: Indian singer Tanvi Shah, American media mogul Ted Turner and popular Indian actor Anil Kapoor.
Fundraising Focus
Challenge Update – Rotary’s $200 Million Challenge Committee recently announced that Rotarians have raised over US$182 million toward the goal!
Someone You Should Know…..
Rotary Staff Profile – Most months we profile a different staff member to help you get acquainted with us and to give you some more insight into the work we do. This month we wanted to briefly introduce John Hewko, new General Secretary for Rotary International.
Mr. Hewko assumed his new position on 1 July. In his speech at the 2011 Rotary Convention in New Orleans, he affirmed his strong commitment to Rotary’s top organizational priority, polio eradication, as well as other important Rotary areas of focus, stating,
“The future for Rotary is bright indeed. We will rid the world of the terrible scourge of polio — we will rid the world of this terrible disease — and then we will be bold and aggressive and identify and conquer the next big global challenge. We will redouble our public relations efforts to enhance our brand and image so that the world better appreciates and understands the great works of Rotary and the value of connecting through fellowship. During this second Rotary century, we will successfully use the power and passion of Rotarians to bring water, sanitation, and basic education to millions, to reduce child mortality, to prevent disease around the world, and to promote peace and sustainable economic development.”
On May 24, 2011, at the New Orleans Convention, USA, Bill Gates appreciates the efforts of Aziz Memon; National Chair PolioPlus Committee, to eradicate Polio from Pakistan.
You’ve helped so many people understand that we are “This Close”. We need to help even more understand. There’s a great example in Pakistan, where Aziz Memon is a participant in meetings with the president, regional governors, and health advisors. Rotary’s in the room when decisions are made in Pakistan. And you’re capable of being in those same rooms in every other country in which you operate. Now we need to make polio front and center, beyond what we’ve done in the past. And we need to be more creative in our ways of keeping it there. I spend lots of time discussing with your leadership some of the ideas of how we can do that. With the redoubled effort of everyone in this room, and your fellow Rotarians around the world, we can succeed.
Bill Gates, Co-chair and Trustee, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Read about positive developments in the fight against polio:
Afghanistan
·PolioPlus Afghanistan office plays important monitoring role – Afghanistan has currently reported only one polio case for 2011, found in Kandahar province in the Daman district. To ensure that the country is able to build on that success, the PolioPlus Afghanistan office is working to strengthen supervision and monitoring activities in vulnerable areas of the country. In the lead-up to National Immunization Days (NIDs) in April, the PolioPlus Afghanistan field supervisor visited health facilities and vaccination sites to review procedures and provide feedback on how to improve the quality of activities. The recommendations ranged from improving finger and door marking systems, to the need for improved cold storage for vaccines. The PolioPlus Afghanistan office is also working to train and educate community and religious leaders about polio and the importance of participating in the eradication effort.
DR Congo
·DR Congo government steps up support for polio eradication – The governors of the 11 provinces in DRC recently committed themselves to eradicating the wild poliovirus and strengthening routine immunization through the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). This was a joint declaration made during a special meeting called in response to the recent polio outbreak in the country. The declaration was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Lumanu Bwana Sefu, the Minister of the Interior and Security Dr. Victor Makwenge Kaput along with representatives from WHO and UNICEF. The country is currently struggling to contain an outbreak of the virus, with 45 polio cases confirmed as of 25 April 2011. Dr. Leodegal Bazira, a representative from WHO indicated that the declaration by the governors was necessary and would help greatly with ongoing outbreak response activities at the local level.
·DR Congo newspapers help spread the word – newspapers throughout DR Congo have been communicating the message of polio eradication to their readership. Some of the papers which have printed articles include the L’ Observateur, Sante & Developpement, La Tempete des Tropiques, and Le Sentinel. Rotary is featured in one article for providing funds for the purchase of social mobilization items such as megaphones during recent NID activities. Africa Regional PolioPlus Committee and Chair of the DR Congo NPPC Ambroise Tshimbalanga Kasongo obtained support for these activities through Rotary’s PolioPlus Partners grant program.
India
·The Independent Monitoring Board reports India on target to meet GPEI Strategic Plan milestone–In their April 2011 report, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) commended India on its efforts to stop transmission of the polio virus by the end of 2011, a milestone set forth in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative Strategic Plan for 2010-12. India is currently reporting only 1 polio case in 2011. Concern about circulation in West Bengal remains and a specific state plan is being developed in which Rotarians are actively involved.
·Indian art supports polio eradication – an art auction was held on 28 April at the Dhoominal Gallery, the oldest art gallery in Delhi. The event was hosted by the high commissioner of Canada to help raise money for Rotary’s polio eradication effort. This was the second auction organized by the Dhoominal family in collaboration with the Rotary Club of South Delhi. The auction was entitled “A Step: Art on Sale to Eradicate Polio” and works by more than 50 artists were on display during the event. Over half of the pieces sold during the auction, but pieces are still available for viewing at the gallery.
·Rotary and the India National PolioPlus Committee honor Mrs. Rajashree Birla – The Rotary Foundation and the India National PolioPlus Committee hosted a special dinner reception on 26 April in honor of Mrs. Rajashree Birla, in recognition of her receiving the Padma Bhushan award from the Indian government. Mrs. Birla has contributed more than US$4.5 million towards Rotary’s polio eradication effort. The Padma Bhushan award was conferred on Mrs. Birla for her lifetime of generosity to the underprivileged throughout Indian society. President-elect Kalyan Banerjee, Past Presidents Rajendra Saboo, Trustee Wilfred Wilkinson and Trustee Ashok Mahajan were all present at the event, along with many other Rotarian leaders from throughout India.
·Rotary recognizes PhRMA for PolioPlus support – The Rotary Foundation has recognized the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) for its support of PolioPlus and its efforts to improve the health of people throughout India. Trustee Chair Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar paid tribute to PhRMA at its headquarters in Washington D.C. on 9 March 2011. PhRMA has made significant contributions to Rotary’s $200 Million Challenge over the past three years and has also provided funding for health camps in India that focus on early detection of chronic diseases. These camps are held in conjunction with polio immunization activities. The award was accepted by John Castellani, President and CEO of PhRMA, who affirmed the organization’s dedication to broadening access to safe and effective medicines for people everywhere.
Nigeria
·Nigeria celebrates Maternal and New-Born Child Health Week – this week the country will conduct activities in recognition of Maternal and New-Born Child Health Week. Throughout the country, fixed immunization posts will offer an integrated package of health interventions including tetanus vaccine for women and Vitamin A, de-worming tablets and other routine immunizations for children less than one year of age. Children under five residing in eight of the highest risk states will also be immunized with a dose of bivalent polio vaccine, using a house-to-house strategy.
Pakistan
·New inspirational video airs throughout Pakistan– In advance of immunization activities taking place throughout Pakistan in May, the National PolioPlus Committee produced a social mobilization music video that tells a powerful story about a young girl who has contracted polio. The song is called “Do Boond” or “Two Drops,” by Salar Khoso, a young singer and is airing on nine channels in Pakistan. To view the video, visit
·PolioPlus highlights at the Convention – The Rotary International Convention commences in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA on 21 May. In advance of convention activities, the International PolioPlus Committee will meet to hear an update from the technical partners on the status of polio eradication activities, and to consider grant requests to help meet ongoing needs in the field. Following is a list of PolioPlus related activities taking place during the convention:
Saturday, 21 May – Wednesday 25 May
– PolioPlus and Rotary’s US$200 Million Challenge Display – Morial Convention Center, Halls G-H
– Polio National Immunization Days Display – Morial Convention Center, # 1210
– Rotarian Action Group for Polio Survivors & Associates Display, Morial #1214
Monday, 23 May
– The National Immunization Days Journey: Challenges and Opportunities Workshop – 3:30-4:30pm, Morial Convention Center Rm. 393
– Going the Distance on Polio: What it Will Take to Get Rid of the Last 1%, Bill Gates, Co Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Wednesday, 25 May
– End Polio Now Workshop, 1400-1500, Morial Convention Center, Conference Auditorium B
– The Shot Felt ‘Round the World Film Screening (story of Dr. Jonas Salk), 1500-1600, Morial Convention Center, Conference Auditorium B
·Polio eradication volunteer passes away in Congo – Elisaphan Hakizimana, a Stop Transmission of Polio team member from Kigali, Rwanda who was working on polio eradication activities in Brazzaville, Congo, was killed on 25 April 2011 in a car accident. Mr. Hakizimana leaves behind a wife and four children. He began his work as a STOP member on 1 October 2010, demonstrating his dedication when he stayed in Congo over the Christmas and New Year’s break because of a heavy workload. He was able to travel home and visit his family in March but had returned under a WHO contract to continue his work on the polio outbreak. He will be the seventh volunteer nominated for a Polio Heroes award in 2010-11.
·Congressional Champions of Polio Eradication honored on Capitol Hill–On 4 May 2011, in the U.S. Capitols’ LBJ room, Rotary hosted its annual congressional reception to honor Congressional Champions for Polio Eradication. The award is conferred on members of congress who have served as advocates for Rotary’s polio eradication effort. In attendance at the reception were Senators Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Richard Lugar (R-IN), and Roger Wicker (R-MS). Representatives who attended included Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Stephen Cohen (D-TN), Kay Granger (R-TX), Nita Lowey (D-NY), Nick Rahall (D-WV), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), and Brad Sherman (D-CA). Assistant Surgeon General Dr. Anne Schuchat of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) briefed the attendees on the progress against polio. Incoming General Secretary John Hewko and RI President Ray Klinginsmith attended the event along with Rotarians from the surrounding area.
Media Relations Corner
·Thisclose.net website available in six languages – we ask everyone to spread the word about this fun way to build buzz worldwide and show the solidarity of the general public with our existing “this close” campaign. The number of people adding their image to the site has grown from 228 on Monday to nearly 500 at this time. NPPC Ashok Mirchandani has already taken part and so have PolioPlus Division Manager Carol Pandak, Petina Dixon-Jenkins Lead Media Relations Specialist for PolioPlus, and Regina Rodriguez-Martin, PolioPlus Coordinator. To view the gallery of participants, please go to: http://www.thisclose.net. To see which countries are in the lead, visit: http://www.thisclose.net/map.php.
·Also, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and ONE have both done blog posts on the site and shared with their followers via social media.
Fundraising Focus
·Challenge Update – Rotary’s $200 Million Challenge Committee recently announced that Rotarians have raised over US$170 million toward the goal!
Someone You Should Know…
..
Rotary Staff Profile– Each month we will feature a different staff member to help you get acquainted with us and to give you some more insight into the work we do. This month we are featuring Harvey Newcomb III, Manager, Programs Division, The Rotary Foundation.
Background/job responsibilities: Harvey has served on The Rotary Foundation staff for 19 years. Having started his RI career as a TRF Scholarships Department Secretary, he now serves as TRF Programs Division Manager and is responsible for the worldwide administration of the Ambassadorial Scholarships, Group Study Exchange, Rotary Peace Centers and Humanitarian Grants Program. Currently he serves on the staff steering committee for The Rotary Foundation’s Future Vision Plan. Harvey earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics and German Studies with a concentration in Political Science at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Harvey also served as a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar at the University of Vienna, Austria, in 1990-91 through the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Rockford, Illinois, and District 6420. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Evanston Lighthouse (District 6440). Although Harvey does not work directly with the PolioPlus Program, he recently held his own fundraiser in support of Rotary’s $200 Million Challenge, which resulted in his receiving a new haircut (see picture above).
Harvey explained that “several of my coworkers here in Chicago recently attended the Concert to End Polio with Itzak Perlman charity event to support Rotary’s $200 Million Challenge. I was unable to attend, but still wanted to do something to help out. That is when I came upon the idea for the Haircut to End Polio: if I received at least $500 in new and unplanned pledges in one month’s time for Rotary’s polio eradication effort, I would shave my head bald. Over 60 donors from the office, my Rotary club, family and friends generously pledged a total of $1,017! What was particularly nice about this was that many of the donors were not Rotarians and have now made a gift online for PolioPlus. Many of my friends on Facebook now know about Rotary’s continuing fight against polio. And as my 6-year old son said at the barber shop last Tuesday, “the best thing of all is that 1,600 kids will not get polio now.””
