Rotary Club of Wexford Hosts Fundraiser for World Polio Day
In a heartfelt initiative to further the global fight against polio, the Rotary Club of Wexford is organizing a special fundraising event in observance of World Polio Day. Set to take place on October 25th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Crown Quarter Hotel Garden Bar, this coffee and cake morning aims to unite community members while raising essential awareness and funds for polio eradication efforts.
Remembering Aidan O’Leary
This year’s event carries a significant emotional weight as the global health community mourns the loss of Aidan O’Leary, a devoted advocate from Dublin. O’Leary, who served as the Director of Polio Eradication at the World Health Organization (WHO), passed away unexpectedly earlier this year, leaving a legacy of commitment to eradicating this devastating disease. His contributions have set a high standard for public health initiatives worldwide, but his sudden departure has left a palpable void in the ongoing battle against polio.
“To honour Aidan’s memory, we are pushing harder than ever to raise awareness and funds this year,” said Maree Lyng, President of the Rotary Club of Wexford. “He dedicated his life to this mission, and it’s crucial that we carry that torch forward, especially now when we are on the cusp of eradication.”
The Current State of Polio Eradication Efforts
As it stands, polio is endemic in only two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, the risk from circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) continues to pose a significant threat to worldwide eradication efforts. In response to these challenges, the WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) recently made a landmark recommendation to include an additional dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) alongside existing oral polio vaccine (OPV) regimens. Experts believe that this addition will significantly enhance immunity against cVDPV, as evidenced by outbreaks noted in regions like Gaza this year.
“It’s bittersweet that this important recommendation came after Aidan’s passing,” said Christopher Nial, the Rotary PolioPlus representative for the Island of Ireland. “We know he would have been incredibly proud of this major stride in the eradication effort. His work has brought us to this point, and we are determined to see it through.”
Join the Cause
The Rotary Club of Wexford warmly invites all community members to participate in this poignant moment of action. Every cup of coffee and slice of cake purchased will contribute to the global campaign to eliminate polio—an enduring mission that Rotary has championed for over three decades. This year, proceeds from the event will be directed towards Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign, which collaborates with WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to eradicate polio globally.
Event Details:
- What: Coffee and Cake Morning Fundraiser for Polio Eradication
- When: October 25, 2024, 10 a.m. – 12 noon
- Where: Crown Quarter Hotel Garden Bar, Wexford
For more information about the event or to make a donation, please visit Rotary Wexford.
A Global Effort
Polio eradication remains one of the significant public health initiatives worldwide. Through efforts in countries like Nigeria, where Rotary works closely with local government and health organizations, strategies are put in place to overcome cultural barriers and increase vaccination compliance. Health camps, permanent immunization centers, and the training of community health workers are just a few of the ongoing efforts that emphasize the importance of engagement within the communities they serve.
As we come together on October 25th, it is not only a chance to honour Aidan O’Leary’s memory but also an opportunity for every individual to contribute to the global effort of ensuring that no child suffers from polio again. Join us in sharing valuable insights, spreading awareness, and rallying for a cause that resonates for generations to come—together, we can make a difference.
What do you think about current polio eradication efforts? Share your thoughts in the comments below and help raise awareness about the importance of this campaign.
