One million children immunized against polio in Cameroon

As part of the world wide drive to eradicate polio, Rotarians are working to raise $80,000,000;

Close to 1 million children were targeted in a Sub National Immunization Day
(SNID) in Cameroon on 21 January. More than 40 Rotarians who traveled from
Australia, Canada, and the United States worked alongside members of the
country's 18 Rotary clubs to help recruit fellow volunteers, mobilize
parents to bring their children to immunization centers, and deliver and
administer the oral polio vaccine.

"We are proud to be part of this historic effort to rid the world of a
crippling disease that has impacted millions of lives throughout the
centuries," said Barry Howie, leader of the team of 32 Rotarians from
Canada. "Regardless of current world challenges, we must remain diligent in
our efforts to ensure that every child is protected against this tragic and
preventable disease."

Two of the visiting Rotarians came from Australia and the rest from the
United States. "We are most grateful for their assistance," said Jean
Richard Bieleu, the National PolioPlus chairman for Cameroon, of the
visiting Rotarians' participation in the SNID.

Not a single case of polio has been reported in Cameroon since 2000. As a
result of more than 90 percent coverage in immunization activities, last
year, the country stopped carrying out nationwide vaccinations in favor of
SNIDs targeted at inaccessible enclaves and border areas. The latest SNID
was carried out near Douala, Cameroon's major industrial city.

Rotary's contributions toward polio eradication in Cameroon to date have
exceeded US$1.7 million.