Polio Plus I

POLIO ERADICATION-"TOP PRIORITY" for ALL OF US LET US SHARE IT !
Highlights of R.I. Presidential Polio Summit 2004, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 7th & 8th August 04.

The Summit was inaugurated by Hon'ble President H.E.Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam. During his speech he highlighted Rotary's efforts right since 1985. In the presence of health ministers of 3 Countries- India, Pakistan & Afghanistan, he told " FIGHT DISEASES & NOT EACH OTHER " and wished all of us "Success in the Mission"

There were audio-visual messages from Gen.Pervez Musharraf (Hon'ble President of Pakistan) ,Mr.Hidayat Amin Arsalah (Vice President of Afghanistan) and Kofi Anan (UN Gen. Sec.) for the success of Polio Eradication campaign by working together with commitment of highest level for final victory.

R.I.President Glen E.Estess Sr. congratulated Rotary world for having inoculated over 2 million children world wide so far and aptly discussed Rotary's role by spending 500 million US $ so far.

Famous Bollywood star and former Miss World Ashwairya Rai was present in inaugural session as Brand Ambassador for Polio eradication campaign.
David Heymann, from WHO stated that Rotary is a true partener and he was sure that Rotary will continue to play its "perfect partner" role.
Carlo Ravizza, Rotary Foundation Chairman told that Rotary will play the game until the end-together and reach certification at the end of 3 years.
From 1988, where more than 350,000 cases of polio reported (1000 cases per day) in more than 125 countries, we have now in 2003, 784 cases in 6 countries ( India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Niger and Igypt). While 19 countries are endemic and yet to be certified.
In Post Eradication Strategies- WHO-CDC-UNICEF- spokesman emphasized-for
Maintaining political commitment, to over come complacency,
Maintain Inter Country co-ordination
Strengthen Partnerships
Continuous funding to over come funding gap
Increase use of Inject able polio vaccine
Strengthening & Building up of Routine Immunization
Maintain the capacity to overcome any problem if any thing goes wrong.

This year up to 4th August 2004, India has 30 cases, Pakistan has 21 cases, and Afghanistan has 3 cases. This year Africa has 89% of polio cases and Asia has 11%; (Nigeria-430 cases and Niger-20 cases).

In the group disscussion on subject "Over Coming the Challanges" moderator was RIDirector (Elect)Noraseth, while presentor was our PDG Vinod Bhatia (NCM) and Rapporteur was PDG Bharat Dholakia who dealt the subject very precisely and effectively.

Lively disscussion took place in which from our District DG Joitabhai & Dr.Jayprakash Vyas (Dist. Chairman Rotary Information Comittee) took active part.

It was truly an International event just like a mini convention in which 15 countries and 1295 delegates joined.

With the effective efforts of DG Joitabhai and PDG Ajay Kala (Member Polio Summit Promotion) our district with 108 registration was 3rd in attending the event. Remember “Every Child-Every Time”