On the United Nations "World Polio Day", October 24th, a group of Rotarians and friends of various ages participated in the annual Walk for Polio. The walk started at Vancouver City Hall, where Councillor Rebecca Bligh presented the City's Proclamation in support of the worldwide day, to mark the success, but journey ahead, in ridding the world of polio
Polio (poliomyelitis) is a paralyzing and potentially deadly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. The virus spreads from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can then attack the nervous system. Rotary started the global campaign to end polio about 40 years ago, when there were 350,000 cases a year in 120 countries. Since joined by world health organizations, foundations and governments the number of cases has dropped to tens of cases in two remaining countries. Our goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever. -- photos by Ken Choy, Rotaract Club of Richmond
Vancouver Area Rotary, Rotaract (college, university students and young professionals), and Interact (high school) Club members, gathered with friends at Vancouver City Hall to start the Polio Walk through the city to Science World.
Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort.
Link to video produced by Ken Choy, President, Rotaract Club of Richmond
Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.
 |  |
| Vancouver City Councillor Rebecca Bligh speaks to Rotarians at City Hall for the ceremony to start the walk or polio | Councillor Rebecca Bligh reads the City of Vancouver proclamation to mark World Polio Day as Immediate Past District Governor Drew Antrobus and Matt Caparas hold the proclamation |
 |  |
 |  |
 | |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 | |