India's Fight Against Polio and Rotary

While fight against Polio continues all over the world amidst stiff resistance from countries like Pakistan (http://tribune.com.pk/story/677988/anti-polio-drive-karachi-town-residents-refuse-to-get-children-vaccinated/), India is a success story.

India’s fight against the disease is very aptly chronicled by Dr. Harsh Vardhan - one of the rare respected politicians and champion of India’s model Pulse Polio Initiative, in his book as “A Tale of Two Drops”. (http://books.google.co.in/books/about/A_Tale_of_Two_Drops.html?id=5CiQSuN1uJ4C&redir_esc=y)

We, the Rotarians, take great pride in joining hands with Government in this crusade.
Below is my reporting on the recently concluded Pulse Polio Day - 23^rd Feb, an abridged version of which was published in a local newspaper @ http://cityplus.jagran.com/city-buzz/rotary-club-organises-polio-drive_1393673855.html.

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Rotary International (RI) is in relentless effort to eradicate polio from world. Since taking the pledge in 1985 to exterminate this debilitating disease from the face of the earth - its’ biggest project till date, RI has stood like a rock beside the local governments and health agencies of all affected countries in this effort.

The Rotary Club of Bangalore (District 3190) Lakeside (RCBL) is proud to carry the mantle of its parent body for last five years since its inception – covering from Mahadevpura in Whitefield to Agara in north-south direction and Kodichikkenahhali to Outer Ring Road bordering the east-west boundary. RCBL, in conjunction with three public health centers namely at – Doddonekundi (near Total mall towards K R Puram), Doddakenelli (on Sarjapura Road after Wipro gate) and Agara, reached out to more than 17,000 children, through 225 volunteers, to administer the two drops of the vaccine on last Sunday, 23^rd Feb, 2014. Highlight of this years’ initiative is that around 15 + volunteers from newly formed Rotaract club shouldered the responsibility of supporting the Agara public health center - managing booths personally and visiting nearby slums with help of mobile booths to serve the purpose.

Dr. Sumathi, Dr. Sudhakar and Dr. Latha – the medical superintendents of the three health centers wholeheartedly appreciate the support extended by Rotary all these years - to exceed their targets of reaching out to so many children.

Pranabesh Das, a non-Rotarian, contributing his bit in every national immunization day for last three years is grateful to get involved in this world wide movement.

It will be indeed a proud moment for all the Rotarians and Government official when World Health Organization will ultimately declare India as a polio free country by March 2014.

While there has not been a single case reported in India for last three years, we cannot afford to be complacent and need to remain focused in the battle against this crippling illness. RCBL requests likeminded people from the neighborhood to join the club and be part of Rotary – the most renowned worldwide social services platform. Interested ones can contact Rtn. Anantha Bhat (babhat@yahoo.com) or Rtn. Jayanta Tewari (Jayanta_tw@yahoo.com).