Simi Khooblall
It’s nearly six decades since the last case of polio in Mauritius, but many of us may still remember the painful impact of the disease upon the lives of people. Polio is a devasting disease that, for generations, have robbed children of their laughter, replaced innocent play with the discord of pain, and left families trapped in the grip of despair. It is an infectious viral disease that attacks the nervous system causing irreversible paralysis and sometimes leading to death. Despite considerable steps in the global fight against this infectious disease, polio’s lasting echoes persist in some parts of the world.
Rotary International together with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance) and other partners continue to lead the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to eradicate polio worldwide. This initiative started in 1988 when poliovirus was present in 125 countries, paralyzing an estimated 1,000 children per day. In this battle, the call to action resonates louder than ever. Every moment, every rupee, every compassionate gesture becomes a lifeline, an appeal to break free from the chains of this relentless adversary. As the world lives with the remnants of a disease that knows no mercy, the End Polio Now campaign emerges as the inspiration for hope, urging us to unite, to contribute, and to ensure that the threat of polio is forever banished from the narrative of human suffering.
Polio remains endemic in just two countries – Afghanistan and Pakistan. But challenges remain. Until poliovirus transmission is completely interrupted in these two countries, the world remains at risk of importation of this disease, especially in vulnerable countries with poor public health.
Every year on the World Polio Day, Rotary Clubs commemorate the progress and join other stakeholders in the call to overcome the barriers to make Polio history once and for all.
Petrin Trail: Steps Towards
Polio Awareness and Fundraising
In a vibrant display of community solidarity and firm dedication to global health, the Rotary Club of Rose Belle organized a Health Walk for World Polio Day, going through the breathtaking landscape of Petrin to Machabee Forest. Against the backdrop of nature’s splendor, the participants, all dressed in « End Polio Now » branded T-shirts, embarked on a journey to raise awareness and funds for the eradication of polio.
The Health Walk surpassed the typical urban setting as participants went through the scenic trail track of Machabee Forest. Banners and placards in hand, they not only immersed themselves in the beautiful greenery but also conveyed crucial information about polio and the pivotal role of Rotary Clubs in its eradication.
The success of the Health Walk amidst nature’s splendor is also measured by the steps taken as together, we walk towards a future where polio will be a distant memory. By creating awareness, supporting vaccination programs, and contributing to Rotary’s initiatives, every individual has the power to make a difference.
Awareness Day at Rose Belle Mall:
The Public Engagement
A Polio awareness day was organized at Rose Belle Vieux Moulin Mall and at Plaisance Mall to sensibilize public about the poliovirus. Information about the disease was conveyed to the people through Rotarian engagement with the public. Adding a touch of creativity to this campaign, the club had two charming mascots, dressed in ‘End Polio Now’ T-shirts, to capture the attention of both young and old. These mascots became ambassadors for the cause, drawing crowds, photo shots and facilitating conversations about the urgency of eradicating polio.
During the day, the Club engaged with shoppers and passersby, explaining the nuances of polio, its impact on communities, and the progress achieved through concerted global efforts. The visual presence of the mascots, combined with passionate discussions, ensured that the message resonated with the community. The Rotary Club’s efforts demonstrated that the path to a polio-free world is paved not only with vaccines and funds but also with community involvement and informed advocacy.
‘Pa les Polio revini’ –
A National Awareness Slogan
On World Polio Day, some 27 Rotary clubs joined forces to organize a national event at the Tribeca shopping center. Some 250 Rotarian members formed a human chain at the shopping center parking lot to form the “End Polio Now” message. This activity was an opportunity for Rotarians to show to the nation the importance of polio eradication and also appeal to contribute for the campaign to fight polio around the world.
We, at Rotary Club of Rose Belle, recognize that eradicating polio required not only financial contributions but also a collective understanding of the issue. By explaining the importance of continued support for the End Polio Now campaign, the club aimed to inspire a sense of responsibility and solidarity within the community. The Club’s proactive initiatives, from the health walk to the Awareness Day at Rose Belle Mall, exemplify the power of community-driven action in the global fight against polio. By combining awareness-building with fundraising and community engagement, the club has not only contributed to the End Polio Now campaign but has also sown the seeds for lasting change in the locality and beyond. Every child deserves the chance to dance through life without the burden of polio. Let’s step in, take action, and ensure that no child is left behind in the journey towards a polio-free world. We are « This Close » to eradicating it entirely, and public engagement can bring us one step closer to achieving that goal.
