Mangalore Oct. 25 : In 1985 Rotary International organization collaborated with W.H.O to fight against crippling disease Polio by launching its “Polio Plus” campaign by immunizing every child in the world through mass vaccination. More than 2.5 million children across 122 countries were vaccinated. The Rotary applied the pressure every year. In 2017 only 16 cases in Pakistan and 4 in Afghanistan were reported and rest of the countries it is completely eradicated said Dist. Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Ramakrishna Rao. He was addressing the Rotarians on the “World Polio Day” its significance organized by Rotary Club of Mangalore City jointly with Rotary Club of Mangalore Down Town at Hotel Ocean Pearl Hall on 24.10.2018.

Polio is a vulnerable disease attacking children and Polio vaccine is boon to children. Rotary International initiative “End Polio” is a meaningful movement and commitment for Polio free world and the Rotarians selfless service in this direction is commendable he added. In India there is no evidence of Polio cases since 2011. Hence it is completely eradicated. However Polio vaccination will be continued every year to ensure that it will not relapse or recur. Further he appealed to all the Rotarians to offer their services for eradication of Malaria from the country. On this occasion Dr. Rao was felicitated in appreciation and recognition of his innumerable services rendered to the health and family welfare sector.

Rotary Asst. Governor Rtn. Divakar Amin highlighted the Rotary initiative to tackle and eradicate global Polio through mass vaccination of children and also presented the report comprising of facts and figures on Polio and Rotary commitment to end Polio and promise of Polio free world.

President of Rotary Club of Mangalore City Rtn. Dr. Ranjan Rao presided over the function. Secretary Rtn. Prashanth Rai, Rotary Club of Mangalore Down Town President Rtn. Ganesh Prabhu were present. Zonal Secretary Rtn. Suraj Hebbar proposed a vote of thanks.