Abstract – Polio Eradication and Partnership
As a result of effective global partnerships, polio cases have declined 99% worldwide since the launching of the polio eradication initiative in 1988. Over 3 million cases of polio and approximately 250,000 deaths have been averted. PAHO, Rotary International (RI), USAID, CDC, and Canada, with various Ministries of Health realized the elimination of polio in the Americas in less than 6 years. In the Western Pacific Region, Japan, allied with Rotary, CDC, WHO, and UNICEF facilitated the eradication of polio in 7 years. Presently, the partnership is focused on interrupting the last reservoirs of poliovirus in south Asia and Africa.
Partnerships are vital to successful public health initiatives. Partners can bring visibility political support, funding, business efficiencies, and volunteer participation to the public sector. As a private international service organization of 1.2 million business and professional members in 163 countries, RI is one such partner. Rotary participation in the global polio eradication initiative has helped fill the gap with our governmental and international partners.
Likewise, partnership is good for Rotary. Our collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, CDC, and others has brought visibility to our organization and enhanced our reputation. It has encouraged us to think creatively about our operations and policies. And we are proud of the friends we have found through our collaboration.
Rotary brings focus to polio eradication. We choose to contribute our financial and volunteer resources. We are committed to seeing the interruption of polio transmission within 2 years, and certification by the end of 2005.
See www.rotary.org
Learning Objectives: Describe the global partnership, from a volunteer organization perspective, that is working to eradicate polio from the world. Describe the role of an international service organization in a global public health initiative.
Keywords: Partnerships, International Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.