BIDDEFORD — Rotarians have been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years. Their goal of ridding the world of this disease and the University of New England Rotaract Club will hold walk latter this month for that cause.
Polio is being detected around the world in places where it hasn’t been found in decades. In the United States, an unvaccinated man was paralyzed by polio. In the UK, poliovirus has been detected in sewage samples. In Malawi, a child contracted polio. And Mozambique announced its first polio outbreak of wild poliovirus in 30 years.
The time for urgent action is now, according to a UNE Rotaract Club press release. A new vaccine has been deployed to stop outbreaks. Malawi, Mozambique, and nearby countries are conducting immunization campaigns to stop the spread of the virus. Rotarians continue to encourage communities worldwide to provide polio vaccinations.
“As we approach World Polio Day, you can help us make an impact and stop the spread of polio,” according to the release. The UNE Rotaract Club on Oct. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. will hold a Walk to End Polio Now event. Participants will walk on the University of New England Biddeford Campus. Walkers can register online or at the event start at the Campus Center Parking Lot. A $10 donation is suggested for each walker. The first 100 walkers to register will receive a free END POLIO NOW T-shirt. To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/5cr7nxsr
World Polio Day will help provide the resources needed to protect children from the U.S. to Mozambique and around the world.
To learn more about The UNE Rotaract Club, or the Walk to END POLIO NOW, visit www.biddeford-sacorotary.org or visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BiddefordSacoRotaryClub
The Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club is a supporter of the UNE Rotaract Club.
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