What is Polio?

It’s a virus that attacks your central nervous > What is Polio? It’s a virus that attacks your central nervous system

> What is Polio? It ‘withers’ limbs

> What is Polio? …and causes paralysis

It mainly attacks children under > What is Polio? It mainly attacks children under the age of five

be used to save young lives > What is Polio? Iron lungs used to be used to save young lives

> What is Polio?

Is there a cure for Polio?

A very simple immunisation > Is there a cure for Polio? YES… A very simple immunisation gives protection

> Is there a cure for Polio?

Purple Pinkie

Rotary started immunising the world’s children > Is there a cure for Polio? Rotary started immunising the world’s children in 1985

Progress in Polio Eradication When Rotary launched its PolioPlus program in 1985, there were over 350,000 cases of polio each year- 1,000 cases per day, in over 125 countries. Today (click again), annual cases of polio paralysis are down to less than 1700 a year—that’s a 99% reduction in the number of infections worldwide. In 2008, only four countries remain polio endemic – India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan. This is the lowest number in history and, more importantly, polio only circulates in limited geographic areas in each country. In 2008 there were less than 1,500 cases in a year In 1985 there were 1,000 new cases every day 14

Progress in Polio Eradication

The world’s leading businessman trusts Rotary > Eradicating Polio… The world’s leading businessman trusts Rotary DOTS: February 2009 BILL GATES Microsoft

He even takes part himself > Eradicating Polio… He even takes part himself

Your £1 will immunise more than five children

PolioPlus: Keep our Promise to Eradicate Polio The world now has its best chance to eradicate polio. It has been documented that over a 20 year period, the cost of controlling and treating polio would be higher, in human suffering and dollars, than the cost of finishing eradication. Over 200,000 children a year would be paralyzed, if we don't finish. Our efforts over the last 20 years would be wasted. We cannot let that happen. We cannot fail. We must End Polio Now! I ask you to support Rotary’s US$200 Million Challenge. 19