Twin Ports Area Rotary Clubs To Honor World Polio Day Wednesday

Over the past 32 years, Rotary International has committed $2.1 billion and volunteer vaccinators in an effort to rid the world of polio.  On Wednesday, Twin Ports area Rotary Clubs will honor those efforts.

During a year in which the whole world faces the challenges of a pandemic, it's important to remember the progress that can be made when there is a dedicated effort to overcome the challenges that diseases can present.

Rotary Clubs have accomplished extraordinary things in their fight against polio worldwide.  Throughout the week, they will acknowledge their progress everywhere, including Wednesday's event in Downtown Duluth.

“There will be World Polio Day celebrations in one hundred countries around the world” said Scott Soderberg, Harbortown Club and District 5580 Communications Chairperson.

The public is invited to attend the event Wednesday, October 21, from noon - 1:00 p.m. inside the Superior Street Lobby of the Duluth Downtown Holiday Inn.

Representatives from local Rotary Clubs will gather to speak about the progress towards polio eradication, the work that is left to be done, and how Rotary will lead the way.

Polio, known as poliovirus, is a highly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. According to endpolio.org, "the virus is spread person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can attack the nervous system, and in some instances, lead to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine – one which Rotary and our partners use to immunize over 2.5 billion children worldwide."

You can click the button below for more information and to join the fight.  You can host an event, lend your voice to the cause or simply make a donation.