Dear Fellow Rotarians,
Globally, in developed and developing countries, child mortality is on the decline and life expectancy on the rise. In 1960, 182 of every 1,000 children born died before turning five; today, that number is down to below 40. A child born in 1960 could expect to live an average of just 52 years; by contrast, a child born this year can expect to live to 77.
As of now, the factors most likely to determine a child’s fate are set at birth; where he or she is born, the educational and economic condition of the family, the availability of medical care. However, one of the most significant advances in public health has reached every country and must now reach every child: immunization.
In many parts of the world, the use of vaccines has nearly eliminated diseases that once were widespread, such as diphtheria, tetanus, and rubella. Thanks to vaccines, 20 million lives have been saved from measles since 2000. Smallpox has been eradicated – and with our continued efforts, Polio will be next.
Thirty years ago, there were an estimated 350,000 cases of Polio per year world-wide. As I write this, only 27 cases have been reported in 2021 – all of them the vaccine-derived poliovirus, or cVDPV. No wild poliovirus (WPV) has been reported. cVDPV is caused primarily by low immunization rates. The best way to prevent them and stop them when there is an outbreak is to vaccinate children. Outbreaks are usually rapidly stopped with 2-3 rounds of high-quality supplementary immunization activities.
Overall, the World Health Organization estimates that immunization prevents an estimated 2 million to 3 million deaths each year. It also averts a tremendous burden of disability and economic loss. Nevertheless, we could be doing so much better: An additional 1.5 million deaths could be avoided by improving vaccine coverage worldwide.
This month, from April 24-30, we join WHO, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in celebrating World Immunization Week, raising awareness of the incredible impact that vaccines have had on global health. In this year of COVID… to celebrate the incredible work of the scientists that created the new vaccines… and the healthcare workers who have worked so hard to begin to administer them… we can do our part to keep our communities healthy by helping Rotary spread the word about the importance of vaccinations.
We Rotarians know firsthand that #VaccinesWork. Since 1985, we have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children from Polio. It is time to step up again to make sure our communities are fully aware of the importance of vaccinations.
I can think of three easy ways for you to take action:
- Download Rotary’s World Immunization Week Toolkit to get graphics and sample social media posts. Here is the link: ______
- Raise awareness(original had a space between aware and ness) of vaccination and polio eradication efforts by painting your nails – or pinkie – purple, or customize our new End Polio Now artwork with your signature and words of support. Post your pictures on social media using the hashtags #EndPolio and #VaccinesWork.
- Donate to Rotary’s PolioPlus Fund. Your contribution will be tripled, thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
This past year has pointed to the uncertainty of our world. Vaccines offer something remarkable: a way to protect our children throughout their lives. By working together to safeguard all children against Polio and other preventable diseases and advocating for getting the Coronavirus vaccine, Rotary is opening opportunities now and for generations to come.
Be well and healthy!
Bill Pritchard
6250 District Governor 2020-2021