| | Published October 30th, 2019
| Letters to the editor
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Rotary's fight against polio
Polio is not something we think about, and there's a reason. In our country it has been wiped out. Worldwide, almost.
October 24 was World Polio Day, providing a good time to reflect on what has been accomplished.
In 1988, some 350,000 cases were reported in 122 nations. Thanks in no small part to Rotary, cases reported globally last year were down to 13, split between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In partnership with the World Health Organization and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the campaign launched by Rotary International in 1985 has been a phenomenal success.
Many are old enough to remember the scourge of polio. At its peak in 1952, 57,628 cases were reported in the U.S. However, with the introduction of the Salk vaccine in 1955, the number began to drop dramatically.
Since Rotary International spearheaded the ambitious campaign 30-plus years ago, more than 2.5 billion children have been vaccinated globally. Although the wholesale cost of an orally administered drop of vaccine is under 50 cents, cumulatively the cost is in the billions. Until the disease is totally eradicated, Rotary will continue to fund the effort.
Cliff Dochterman, now in his 90s and a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Moraga, deserves a salute from all of us. Cliff was instrumental in getting the initiative off the ground. And as president of Rotary International in 1992-1993, he was able to impart momentum personally.
As sitting president of Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, I can observe Rotary's impact locally. There are four clubs within this paper's circulation territory. In addition to the one in Moraga and ours, there are chapters in Orinda and Lafayette.
If you think you might like to "give back," membership in Rotary is a great means of doing so. For more information about Lamorinda Sunrise, and Rotary in general, visit our website at www.lamorindasunrise.org or email me at rotarytg@gmail.com. We will get back to you to explore how Rotary can help you get involved.
Tom Guyette
Lafayette
A thanks for birdhouse creations
We all love our birdhouse stop sign! Please continue this wonderful lovely hobby.
Thank You!
Bev Rubini
Moraga |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA