International and Foundation

International Committee

International & Foundation Projects are the priority of the club's International & Foundation Service committee.  The 7 Rotary Areas of Focus are:

1. Peacebuilding and conflict prevention
2. Disease prevention and treatment
3. Water, sanitation, and hygiene
4. Maternal and child health
5. Basic education and literacy
6. Community economic development
7. Environment

Sources for assistance are:

• Member's own overseas contacts.

• District 1180 International Committee which identifies International priorities within our District and reports on what other nearby clubs may be doing.  Most clubs welcome  partnership arrangements with other Clubs in District 1180, Rotary GB&I and Globally.  

• Rotary GB&I Opportunities to Serve, which contains details of over 30 overseas aid projects that meet the Rotary GB&I criteria.  Available on the member's restricted area at www.ribi.org

Water

The provision of clean and accessible water is always high on the Rotary agenda because it is an essential prerequisite for good health and successful education.  Sanitation education is invariably an essential component of any water project.  Northwich Vale Royal Rotary Club support many projects that provide clean water for areas that suffer from drought,  including Village Water,  Rotary Water Survival Box,  Excellent Development sand dams and many others

Health and Hunger

The top Rotary health priority is Polio Eradication.  This is by far the largest and best known Rotary programme.  Therefore successful eradication is essential for the credibility of Rotary as well as for the future of mankind.  Clubs can assist by:

• Making donations of at least $1,000 per club per annum to match the Bill and Melinda Gates challenge.

• Sending volunteers for a National Immunisation Day in one of the countries where polio is still endemic.

• Fundraising or organising an event around World Polio Day ( 24th October)  or World Rotary Day ( 23rd February) 

• Participation in Purple4Polio & End Polio Now projects involving local communities

Literacy

Education is the third element that is necessary to sustain a life above the poverty threshold.  Many of Rotary Club projects address the needs for literacy in developing countries by helping to fund a libraries and school books in deserving areas and countries. 

Disaster Relief

There are a number of Rotary inspired projects aimed specifically at providing quick and timely relief in times of emergency around the world.  Here are some examples:

• Aquabox
• Humanitarian work in Ukraine The reality of life in Ukraine - Rotary Magazine - August 2025
• Earthquakes
• Floods and famine 

Fighting Disease & Saving Lives 

Rotary is deeply committed to improving global health through disease prevention and immunisation, with efforts spanning decades and continents. Here’s how they make a difference:

Polio Eradication

Rotary is a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Since 1988, Rotary has helped reduce polio cases by 99.9% worldwide.

Over 2.5 billion children have been immunised thanks to Rotary’s efforts.

Rotary has contributed over $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to this cause.

Vaccination Campaigns

Rotary supports measles and rubella immunisation programs in vulnerable regions.

They fund mobile clinics, cold chain equipment, and training for health workers.

Disease Prevention

Rotary clubs run health education programs, sanitation projects, and screenings for diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis.

They help build and equip clinics, especially in underserved communities.

Partnerships That Multiply Impact

Rotary works with WHO, UNICEF, CDC, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to expand reach and effectiveness.

Local clubs often collaborate with hospitals and NGOs to deliver care directly.

Empowering Communities

Rotary invests in training local health professionals, ensuring sustainable healthcare.

They promote maternal and child health, helping reduce infant mortality.