Supporting the Rotary International Campaign to eradicate Polio

In 1985, International service organization Rotary launched PolioPlus, one of the most ambitious humanitarian programs ever undertaken by a private-sector organization. PolioPlus was the catalyst for the World Health Assembly's resolution in 1988 to eradicate polio. Today, thanks to Rotary's US$500 million commitment and its leadership in mobilizing volunteers, the world is on the threshold of eradicating the poliovirus.

Great progress has been made. Fewer than 10 countries still have polio. The number of cases worldwide has decreased 99 percent since 1985. The greatest obstacle to victory is adequate funding. A $275 million shortfall must be overcome in the period 2002-05.

For this reason, the Rotary Board of Directors and the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation have unanimously decided to launch a one-year campaign to help fill the funding gap. The campaign seeks $80 million prior to 30 June 2003.

The money is needed for vaccine and its delivery through National Immunization Days, and surveillance systems needed to identify remaining pockets of the disease.

You can help the battle against Polio. If you are a Rotarian, please donate generously to this cause. If you are not, but would like to donate, you can send your check (Payable to The Rotary Foundation) to FORT MYERS COMPUTERS and we will immediately forward your check on through our local Foundation coordinators.