TACLOBAN CITY-The Rotary Club of Ormoc Bay joined the global efforts to end polio by immunizing 68 children at Brgy. Tambulilid in the city on Wednesday( Oct. 24).
The activity of the club, which is headed by Apple Anido Alagon, was in support to the Rotary International’s advocacy and commitment to free the world of polio.
“Thankfully, because of the Rotary’s advocacy to eradicate polio, the Philippines has been certified polio-free in the year 2000. But we still need to vaccinate the kids to ensure that we will not have cases in the future,” said Lalaine Marcos, the director for public relations of Rotary Club of Ormoc Bay.
“That’s why, every October 24 which is World Polio Day, Rotarians always hold polio vaccinations to call attention to the dreaded disease, and also create awareness that vaccines are safe and will save lives,” Marcos added.
Dr. Rodrigo Capahi, officer of the club, gave a lecture to the parents on the importance of immunization and how they can end polio.
Joining the team were health workers headed by Cecille Arindain and barangay councilor Esterlina Gabon.
Since the Rotary Club and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative nearly 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to just 37 cases in 2016, according to the organization.
To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, the group has committed to raising US$50 million per year over the next three years in support of global polio eradication efforts.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation matches the Rotary Club’s commitment 2:1.
The Rotary Club, along with its partners, maintained that it has reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide since its first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.
“We are close to eradicating polio, but we need your help. Whether you have a few minutes or a few hours, here are some ways to make a global impact and protect children against polio,” the organization said.
Meanwhile, Alagon urged the public to “build awareness and become an advocate” to end polio in the world.
(RONALD O. REYES)
