We are now conducting co-ordinated NIDs [National Immunisation Days] in West and Central Africa, and political opposition has been substantially halted.

Question: How would you describe the impact of the polio eradication fund raising campaign (PEFC)?

Answer: The decision of the R.I. Directors and The Rotary Foundation Trustees to embark on another fund raising campaign in 2002-2003, and the response of Rotarians throughout the world, had an extraordinary effect on the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Not only did the campaign raise well over $US100 million, but it also stunned and stimulated our partners of the World Health Organisation, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and others. That Rotary would embark on a new campaign on its own volition produced an unprecedented response of acclaim from the partners.

The fund raising campaign also encouraged and inspired volunteers everywhere. Tired but committed Rotarians in polio-endemic countries renewed their efforts, giving their time and talents.
We are now seeing more Rotarians in polio-free countries travelling at their own expense to polio-endemic countries to stand by fellow Rotarians for long hours to immunise children.

Question: What is needed most from Rotarians right now?

Answer: Personal and corporate re-commitment to the eradication of polio and demonstration of that commitment by:
• Fulfilling any uncompleted pledges and commitments to the PEFC.
• Helping vaccinators and parents immunise children in polio-endemic countries.
• Advocating support by their governments.
• Using every opportunity to create public awareness of the importance of and need for polio eradication and of Rotary’s contribution to the effort
• Recognising and advocating on all occasions that the war against polio is a partnership effort,
• Correcting all omissions and mis-statements in the media about polio eradication and Rotary’s role.
• Contributing to PolioPlus Partners and the PolioPlus Fund.

Question: Why are contributions still needed?

Answer: While the 2002-2003 fund raising campaign exceeded our goal of $US80 million, unfortunately, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative is still underfunded and facing $US100 million in additional costs for immunising children in re-infected African countries.

The primary source of additional funds will be the governments of polio-free industrialised countries. But Rotary needs to continue its advocacy efforts and help with social mobilisation efforts by Rotarians in polio-infected countries.

Additionally, Rotary has recognised that our goal must be certification of eradication, a three-year process that requires intensive surveillance as well as efforts to ensure that remaining virus samples in laboratories and elsewhere are secured.

Rotary is not considering another fund raising campaign because we believe the majority of needed funds should and can come from the governments of the world.

But we do sorely need Rotarians to meet their 2002-03 pledges and commitments, and we need contributions to PolioPlus Partners and to the PolioPlus Fund.

Question: Are Rotarians meeting their commitments and pledges? Why is it important to do so?
Answer: Yes, but some have been slower to do so than we had hoped. The pledges and commitments had a June 30, 2005 completion date, so they are not yet delinquent. Clubs and individuals need to give the highest priority to fulfilling their promises. We need the funds to assure that polio is eradicated.