We learned yesterday that that the wild poliovirus case count for 2019 has reached 37 cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the remaining two countries that still report cases caused by the wild virus. This means that the case count for this year is now higher than the total number of cases in 2018. It’s important that we have perspective and remember how far we’ve come since we started PolioPlus in 1985, when there were hundreds of thousands of cases of polio each year. We’ve had less than 100 cases per year in the last four years and the final cases are in a small number of geographic areas.

While we’ve experienced challenges in Pakistan and Afghanistan, we’re seeing progress in other important areas. Nigeria has not reported a wild poliovirus in over three years, and the Africa region could soon announce the certification of the eradication of the wild poliovirus. Out of three types of poliovirus, only type 1 continues to affect children. Type 2 is certified eradicated, and there hasn’t been a type 3 virus identified since 2012. We are using innovative techniques to reach more children than ever before in some of the hardest-to-reach areas of the world, and our surveillance systems are continually becoming more sophisticated.

Until we see the last poliovirus, it’s vital that we continue immunizing every single child, and we can only do that with the support of every one of our 1.2 million members. We can’t get frustrated or slow our efforts. Instead, we need to double down on the promise we made over thirty years ago: to ensure that no child ever has to suffer the paralyzing effects of polio. It is crucial that we remain optimistic about the future and continue raising the funds and awareness necessary to support an end to this disease. All donations to End Polio Now are matched 2:1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation—please spread the word and encourage your networks to donate.

Thanks to many Rotarians and dedicated staff, we are seeing renewed generosity as we reach the conclusion of this year of being inspired.

1.       Even though there were many more items that passed, a lot of them had to do with the overall organization. This document highlights what’s happening at the club and district levels. For a full overview of the COL, Rotarians could either check in with your COL Reps or visit My Rotary (www.MyRotary.org).
2.       You’ll see that page one of the document discusses that the language in Standard Rotary Club Constitution (SRCC) will be modernized to make it more accessible. It also asks that the reader head to My Rotary to download a copy. We’re still in the process of streamlining the SRCC and expect that it’ll be posted soon.
3.       In line with number 2 above, the 2019 Manual of Procedure (MOP) is also being drafted. Traditionally, the English version of the MOP has released in the fall (usually October) with translated versions to follow in winter. We expect the same timing this year, and will let you know when the new edition has been released. We’re expecting that it will release as an electronic PDF rather than a printed version, and can confirm that in a future message.