DG Keith McIntosh presenting Polio appreciation certificate
Disease Prevention and Treatment is one of Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus, and it was highlighted at our 17 February meeting. We welcomed Pauline Blomfield from K9 Medical Detection NZ (K9MD), who shared their inspiring vision to revolutionise early disease detection through the use of highly trained medical alert dogs. Her presentation demonstrated how innovation, science, and community partnerships can transform health outcomes.
This theme continued as District 9999 Governor Keith McIntosh presented President Michael with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation. The certificate recognises our Club’s contribution to Rotary’s polio eradication efforts during 2024–25 and acknowledges us as the highest supporting Club in District 9999.
Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years, leading one of the most ambitious public‑health initiatives in history.
Polio (poliomyelitis) is a paralyzing and potentially deadly infectious disease that primarily affects children under five. It spreads from person to person, often through contaminated water, and can attack the nervous system. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine.
Rotary was a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), with the first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979. Since then:
- Rotary members have contributed more than US$2.1 billion
- Volunteers have helped protect nearly 3 billion children
- Polio cases have been drastically reduced
- Efforts have reached 122 countries
The GPEI is a public‑private partnership led by national governments and six core partners: the World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Their shared goal is to eradicate polio worldwide.
More information about the partnership can be found here:
https://polioeradication.org/who-we-are/