Rotarians Step Up Polio Eradication Efforts in Pakistan

At the End Polio Summit in Islamabad, Rotarians committed to help make Pakistan polio free through advocacy with government and religious leaders, immunizing migrant children at transit points, and conducting health camps and supporting local government councils in high-risk areas.

Organized by the Pakistan National PolioPlus Committee on 9 March, the meeting brought together representatives from government, Rotary International, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and others.

As for Pakistan’s Augmented Emergency Action Plan [for polio eradication], all government partners have shown ownership and commitment. The role of Rotary International is visible through intensified projects across the country. In the last quarter, activities have been carried out to cover the population of refusals and missed children by establishing three [Rotarian-supported] Polio Resource Centers, nine permanent immunization centers, and two permanent transit posts.

[Photos and write-up by Aziz Memon, Pakistan National PolioPlus Committee Chair - http://blog.rotary.org/2013/03/15/pakistan/]

 In the following picture, our own club member, Hajra Wilson, immunizes a child during Pakistan's Subnational Immunization Days.