By Raymond Rex Awiagah
Background
On World Polio Day 2024, Rotary Clubs in Ghana - Rotary District 9104 held a walk on Saturday 24th February 2024 to create awareness about Rotary’s efforts to eradicate Polio.
Starting point
An early morning converging of Rotarians on February 24th, 2024, at the Morning Star School in Accra. District 9104 members embarked on a collective journey to raise awareness of the ongoing global effort to end polio. The "Walk with Rotary" campaign, spanning various neighborhoods and thoroughfares of Accra, was a powerful testament to Rotary's commitment to eradicating polio. In their Rotary attire, they waved banners inscribed with messages of hope.
Rationale
Rotary believes this is an important event to draw attention to its efforts to help eradicate polio. Rotary clubs in Ghana are raising funds to regularly donate to the rotary foundation to help fight the crippling disease.
Point Of View By District 9104 Governor
The District Governor of Rotary District 9104, Rotarian David Osei Amankwa said the 'Walk with Rotary' initiative not only raises awareness but also underscores Rotary’s collective resolve to make polio history..
"Polio is Rotary’s top corporate priority. Year in and year out, the fight for polio eradication goes on. So today we put it out that we want to walk to raise funds to fight the polio disease which is almost close to eradication". He said.
District Governor David Osei Amankwa added that worldwide, the Rotary Foundation is trying to raise over 2 billion dollars primarily for the work of polio hence he encouraged Rotarians in all 65 clubs in Ghana to regularly donate to the foundation.
Remarks By the Chair of the National Polio Plus Committee
Rotarian Nana Yaa Siriboe is the Chair of the National Polio Plus Committee. She said Ghana does not have any polio cases.
“Thankfully from our contribution to the Rotary Foundation and participation in mass polio immunization, we don’t have any polio cases in Ghana right now". She said.
Rotarian Nana Yaa Siriboe disclosed that Ghan was certified wild poliovirus-free in 2008 and certification was given in 2011.
She called on parents and newborn mothers to ensure their children are immunized at birth.
Conclusion
The march finally ended at the Prisons Officer Mess, and Rotarians stood united in their commitment to the vision of a polio-free world. The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and solidarity, as Rotary District 9104 vowed to continue championing the cause until polio is sent into the annals of history. The Walk with Rotary also seeks to encourage people to get out and work to improve their health and fitness.