Mangaluru: The Rotary Club of Mangalore City organised a programme to observe ‘World Polio Day’ at Hotel Ocean Pearl on Wednesday, October 23.
In 1985, Rotary International collaborated with WHO to fight against the crippling disease of ‘Polio’ which affected children and did not have a cure. The organisation launched a ‘Polio Plus’ campaign that aimed to immunize every child in the world through a mass vaccination movement. More than 2.5 million children across 122 countries were vaccinated as a result.
Addressing the gathering, District Malaria Officer Dr Naveenchandra said, “In 2018, only 33 cases were reported from Pakistan and Afghanistan. It has been eradicated from the rest of the countries.”
“Polio is a highly infectious and neuroparalytic disease that affects children and the polio vaccine is a boon to children. The Rotary International’s ‘End Polio’ initiative is a meaningful movement and a commitment towards a polio-free world. The Rotarians selfless service in this direction is commendable,” he added.
Dr Naveenchandra also said, “In India, there is no evidence or record of polio cases since 2011. Hence, the disease is completely eradicated. However, polio vaccination will be continued every year as a precautionary measure against relapse or recur.” He further appealed to all Rotarians to render their voluntary services for the eradication of malaria and dengue in the district.
Rotary District 3181 Pulse Polio Chairman Rtn Dr Norman Mendonca highlighted the Rotary Club’s initiative to fight and eradicate global polio through mass vaccination of children. He also presented a detailed report comprising facts and figures on the crippling disease.
In his address, Rotary Club Mangalore City President Rtn Dr Ranjan Rao revealed that World Polio Day was celebrated every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Jonas Salk who led the team that invented the polio vaccine. He also mentioned that the next polio immunization day will be held on January 19, 2020.
Dr Rao also urged everyone in attendance to join the movement. Afterwards, District Wenlock Hospital Orthopaedics Department head Rtn Dr Sudhakar delivered the vote of thanks.
Rotary Club Mangalore City Secretary Rtn Prashanth Rai was also present.
