In 1985 the PolioPlus programme was launched by Rotary International. Mr Fred Phillips of the a Hamilton Rotary was the speaker for our March meeting and his report of what Rotary has achieved since then was inspiring. He showed a 6 minute video updating us on this project and we were able to see the enormity of the task which involves thousands of volunteers, and tons of equipment loaded on trucks and camels to distributed the vaccine to all corners of the world.
It is possible that by the time this generation of polio survivors die out like the dinosaurs, polio will be eradicated. Of course, as one member pointed out, the vaccinations need to be maintained to prevent an outbreak in decades to come. Another member commented that vaccination rates are falling in many countries and this is alarming. And so a lively discussion followed.
Mr Phillips was pleased to meet so many polios in one place, and several recalled their polio experiences for him. He took away a few ancient photographs of patients at the Wilson Home and the Duncan Home. We were all enriched by this contact between Rotary and our group. Contact numbers:
Take a look at our meetings in March 2001 , August 2002 , and November 2002 |
