This is an extract from the latest newsletter from the Rotary Foundation on progress in Rotary’s challenge to eradicate polio.
As of the 4th of December, 81 cases of polio caused by the ‘natural’ virus have been identified, 56 in Pakistan and 25 in Afghanistan. In addition, the presence of the polio virus has been detected in Europe, in Germany, Poland and Spain.
Analysis of waste-water samples taken In November this year in London, West Sussex and Leeds have indicated the presence of the vaccine-derived polio virus. Once again this underlines the fact that as long as the virus is active somewhere in the world, it can appear anywhere in the world.
However, it should be noted that the number of cases of all forms of polio continues to decline. Last year – by December – 394 cases of polio caused by the circulating vaccine-based variant were recorded. This year the number of reported cases is down to 227.
Rotary’s commitment is to eliminate all forms of polio – and we continue to make progress towards that aim.
The only number that matters is zero
Featured in the latest issue of Rotary Digital is an interview with Sona Bari from the World Health Organisation by Rotary Magazine editor, Dave King, on how Rotary must not relent in the campaign to eradicate polio globally.