COVINGTON, Ga. – Rotary members in Covington are among millions reaching out on World Polio Day to raise awareness, funds and support to end polio – a vaccine-preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today.
The Rotary Club of Covington is excited to mark this day in history with the help of Newton County and the City of Covington with special proclamations naming Oct. 24, 2017 as “World Polio Day” in the county and city respectively.
WHAT: World Polio Day
WHO: The Rotary Club of Covington
WHEN: Oct. 24, 2017
WHERE: Newton County, City of Covington
Since Rotary 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. To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, Rotary 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 will match Rotary’s commitment 2:1. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk.
“The Rotary Club of Covington is honored to have the support of Newton County and the City of Covington in its fight to end polio,” Club Public Image Chair Jackie Gutknecht said. “Our members have been extremely generous this year in the fight to end polio and we are happy to shine a light on those efforts during on World Polio Day.”
Rotary has contributed more than US$1.7 billion to ending polio since 1985, including more than $2,500 contributed by the Rotary Club of Covington.
About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Visit endpolio.org for more about Rotary and its efforts to eradicate polio.
