Almancil International Rotary Club (AIRC) has for many years been supporting the Rotary International Campaign which aims to eradicate Polio in countries throughout the world. The club has been raising funds with, amongst other events, an annual sponsored walk along the Ria Formosa in Quinta do Lago.
However, due to the Covid-19 virus, the walk was unable to take place in 2020. Thanks to the improved situation and a relaxation of the rules, it was possible to reinstate the event which took place last Saturday.
Led by members of the São Brás Salvation Army Band, more than 50 adults plus children took part helping to raise €580 for the campaign. A further €200 was raised by a club member who held Yoga classes and donated the proceeds to the Polio campaign.
Following the walk, the participants were treated to a picnic of cakes and drinks prepared or donated by members.
Many people may remember the devastating effects of polio during the pandemic of 1949-1952. In 1952, a vaccine was developed and, in 1961, a more easily administered vaccine was developed which increased the ability to protect people throughout the world.
Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 50 years as a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Thanks to this initiative and assisted by fundraising efforts by Rotary Clubs throughout the world and in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, polio cases have been reduced by 99.9%.
Currently, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, so it’s important to continue efforts to free these two countries from this devastating disease and to keep other poor countries free of this illness.
If all eradication efforts stopped, within 10 years polio could paralyse as many as 200,000 children each year.
AIRC President Volker Biebesheimer thanked the organisers, participants and donors for their efforts and generosity which helped to raise almost €800 in total.
For further information on Almancil International Rotary Club, visit www.rotaryalmancil.org
