End Polio Now
24 October is the World Polio Day and this highlights the global efforts to end polio worldwide. The date was chosen to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, the American scientist who developed the first polio vaccine in 1955. End Polio Now is also the signature project of Rotary. Rotary is committing US$500,000 to bolster the initiative, channeling these funds through a dedicated Polio Outbreak Response Fund.
In recent years, polio cases were only found in two countries, namely Pakistan and Afghanistan. Unfortunately, apart from these two countries, one circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) case was recently identified in August 2024 in Gaza, the first case in 25 years. Six cVDPV2-positive environmental samples have been reported in Gaza this year, 2024. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers there to be a high risk for the spread of this polio strain within Gaza and internationally, particularly given the current situation’s impact on public health services.
A humanitarian pause in war has allowed a two-round polio vaccination campaign that began in Gaza on 1 September 2024. Initial reports indicate the campaign started successfully, with teams showing strong commitment and high levels of community participation. End Polio Now is not only an action to end the disease, but also an advocation of peace in the world.
As Rotarians, let’s help and take action to end polio by donating to Polio Fund. District 3450 is going to have our End Polio Walk for Mongolia on 5 October, Macau on 20 October 2024, The World’s Greatest Meal to End Polio in Macau on 26 October 2024 and End Polio Walk for District 3450 in Hong Kong on 14 December 2024. Let’s join together to participate the End Polio events of District 3450.


*Important Dates*
1. On or before 1 October 2024: notification of the preliminary results of approved grants by District Grants Sub-Committee
2. 31 October 2024: minimum contribution in order to be qualified as EREY club
3. 16 November 2024: Grant and Management Seminar
4. 18 November 2024: Intercity Meeting recognising donors

Attending the Grant Management Seminar is one of the requirements for club qualification if your club would like to apply any grants in the coming Rotary year 2025/26. At lease one of your members must attend. Please enroll and don’t miss it.