Rotary International raises $185m to wipe out polio completely

The members of Rotary International (RI) have raised an amount of $185 million to help eradicate polio completely from the world.

The money is to support Rotary’s $200 million Challenge which is used to fight the disease.

“Rotarians have raised $185 million for Rotary’s $200 Million Challenge to help underwrite the cost of ending polio around the world. Although the challenge runs through 30 June, it is vital that fundraising efforts continue until the disease is finished,” a statement on RI’s website August 5, 2011 says.

The money was raised through a number of events such as fashion shows, community fundraising, health walk and donations across the world.

These events which were held in the US, Tanzania, Australia, New Zealand were also used to create awareness of the disease.

In a related development, the current President of Rotary International, Mr. Kalyan Banerjee, will visit Accra, Ghana from August 19 -20, 2011, according to a statement released by the convener, Past District Governor and current Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Rotary Foundation, Mr. Sam Okudzeto.

“It is expected that Mr. Banerjee will elaborate on his programs for the current Rotary year and focus on pertinent issues and challenges facing the continent of Africa,” the statement said.

By Ekow Quandzie