Rotary Zone 22, District 9212 Hold Awareness Events During World Polio Day
Warning: Undefined property: stdClass::$error in /home3/rotaryn2/public_html/timeline/wp-content/themes/theissue/inc/misc.php on line 71
By Eric Ombok and Pauline Awuor
Rotary Districts across Africa joined public health advocates and all who share Rotarians commitment to a world free from polio to participate in various activities to create awareness.
World Polio Day, which is commemorated on 24th October each year, is a day of reflection and action, a day when we, as a global community, recognize our progress in the fight to end polio, and discuss the actions required to ensure we eradicate this debilitating disease for good, said Patrick Chisanga, Rotary International Director for Africa.
There is currently no cure for polio, but through vaccination and awareness, we can prevent its devastating effects. World Polio Day serves as a solemn reminder of our duty, to ourselves and future generations to prevent the resurgence of polio in Africa, he said.
“I wholeheartedly encourage all Rotary and Rotaract clubs to organize events throughout the month of October and register these events at endpolio.org. Last year, Rotary supporters in 90 countries registered more than 1,400 World Polio Day events, and we extend our invitation to partners to join hands with clubs to make this year’s commemorations even more impactful,’’ Chisanga said.
Awareness events included webinars hosted by District Governor Luderce Camalon (District 9220) and District Governor Abdoulaye Sanogo (District 9101), while End Polio Now Coordinator Stella Anyangwe from Rotary District 9400 logged in more than 23.6 kilometers and counting, walking for polio.
The National Polio Plus Committees in Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana had several events ahead of this day. Rotarians in Zambia held a “Walk For Polio” event in the nation’s capital city, Lusaka.
“As members of Rotary and people of action, we must keep our promise to protect the world’s children from this dreadful, preventable disease – polio,’’ The Rotary Foundation Trustee Geeta Manek said. “We are nearing the finish line, but the last leg of this race is often the toughest. Therefore, let’s unite and contribute to the polio fund to ensure every child receives full immunization and protection.”
Rotary District 9212
Led by by District Governor Leonard Ithau, Rotary District 9212 covering Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea held several virtual events ahead of World Polio Day.
The District Governor participated in a polio immunization exercise at St. Catherine Primary School in South B, Nairobi. The area Member of National Assembly Amos Mwago attended the event.
The District Governor also took part in another polio immunization exercise in Kikopey in Nakuru District. The event was organized by Rotary clubs of Hurlingham, Ngong Road, Nairobi East, Milimani, Parklands Nairobi South and their partners.
District Governor Nominee Wairimu Njage was a panelist on a talk show hosted by broadcaster NTV Kenya to talk about polio while The Rotary Foundation Trustee Geeta Manek and Immediate Past Polio Officer for Rotary District 9212 Dr. David Githanga participated in a talk show by District 9212,The Tagline, to talk about the various aspects of polio.
Kenyan Coast
At the Kenyan Coast, seven Rotary clubs and seven Rotaract clubs and one Interact Club partnered with the County Commissioner, County Inspectorate, National Police Service, Viwa Hospital and reached more than 1,000 people within Kilifi town.
The Clubs were Interact Club of Mnarani and Rotaract Clubs of Kilifi, Malindi, Technical University of Mombasa, Diani, Mwatate, YouthZone and Mombasa. The Rotary clubs that participated were Mombasa Downtown, Mombasa North Coast, Mombasa, Kilifi, E-Club Safari, Mombasa Nyali and Bamburi.
In the neighboring Taita Taveta County, the District Governor Nominee joined Rotary Club of Voi and Nairobi Muthaiga North for a polio awareness walk in the town of Voi.
Western Kenya and Mount Kenya
Several Rotarians in the Western region also participated in a polio awareness walk, while in central Kenya, Rotary Club of Nyeri polio walk in partnership with county Government of Nyeri and other partners.
District Governor Elect Joe Kamau joined the Rotary Club of Nanyuki for a project dubbed Motor Maze at the Ol Pejata Conservancy. During the event, Rotarians provided information on polio to participants.
