by Janet England
Australia has received an international humanitarian award for its contribution to the global eradication of polio.
Rotary International’s President Nominee Bill Boyd presented Australian Prime Minister John Howard with Rotary’s Polio Eradication Champion Award in Sydney, N.S.W., on May 16, 2005, in recognition of Australia’s contribution to fighting polio worldwide since 2001.

‘‘I am proud to accept this award on behalf of the Australian Government and commend Rotary International on its initiatives in polio eradication,’’ John Howard said. ‘‘Since 2001 the Australian Government has committed $US10.5 million to international polio eradication efforts and recently announced $A1 million to help prevent the spread of polio in Indonesia.’’
Rotary’s commitment to end polio represents the largest private-sector support of a global health initiative ever.

Since 2001, the Federal Government has dollar-for-dollar matched private sector donations from Rotarians and others to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Rotary International’s Polio Eradication Champion Award was established in 1995 to recognise those making outstanding contributions toward polio eradication.

On presenting the award, Rotary International’s President Nominee William Boyd, of the Rotary Club of Pakuranga, N.Z., said the humanitarian partnership formed between the Australian Government, Rotarians and the international health community was of tremendous value.

“In Rotary’s Centenary year, it is worth celebrating the great things that can be achieved on the world stage, by a national government supporting its citizens as they work towards a polio-free world,” Bill Boyd said.

Since 1985, Rotary, through its global network of volunteers, has contributed more than $US500 million worldwide.
Rotary members in Australia have contributed more than $US10.7 million in support of polio eradication.

• Author of this article, Janet England, is a public relations consultant in Queensland employed by R.I. on a freelance basis.