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Home | TfL Press Releases | Polio eradication Press Release - June 18th 2011

A new press release sent to 20 media outlets.

Press Release

Date: 18th June2011 

Media contact: John Owen     j.eto@btopenworld.com 

Local Rotary clubs welcome boost to polio eradication

The 74 Rotary clubs of District 1150 South Wales are welcoming the news that polio eradication, and other preventable diseases, is getting a boost.

This week’s announcement by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations (GAVI) of $4.3bn to help efforts in poor countries further supports the ongoing hard work by Rotary, and other partner organisations to protect children from diseases which can be fatal.

The Rotaryclubs in South, East, West and Mid Wales regularly do a wide range of activities in their local communities to raise funds for vaccine, many members going out to India to actually administer the polio vaccine.

District Governor Donna Wallbank of the Rotary Club of Brynmawr, says this week’s announcement brings hope to 250 million little children: “We are thrilled that governments are putting their hands in the pockets and supporting the much-needed work to rid the world of diseases such as polio and other life-threatening illnesses. Here in District 1150 we have been working with the community to raise awareness and funds to support the End Polio Now campaign. This announcement really raises awareness.

“It is thanks to the generosity of the public that we have managed to raise Thousands of pounds over the last few years . I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has helped us.

“Rotary clubs are also working with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation by raising money to help meet the $200m Dollar Challenge. When we hit the $200m dollar target, the Foundation will give it an extra boost of $255m for polio eradication. This really does mean that polio is on the way out.

“If anyone would like to know more about their local Rotary club, just get in touch. There is a Rotary Club Near You, go to www.rotary1150.org We have a tremendous amount of fun making a difference and improving the lives of others.”

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