On Wednesday 28th January 2026 we had the opportunity to hear a presentation from Andrew DeGaris who is the District End Polio Co-Ordinator.
A great deal of effort and funding is needed to help eradicate Polio in all countries. There are still cases of Polio in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. These two countries present logistic challenges as there a people in remote mountainous areas. This makes it difficult for Health workers to reach children needing the Polio vaccine.
The vaccine is now available in oral form making it easier to transport than the previous injectable vaccine.
The oral vaccine has dramatically reduced the number of children paralysed by Polio, it has been extremely successful.
End Polio Now – The Way Forward:
Rotary International aims to raise US$50 million each year attracting a 2 for 1 input (up to 100 million) from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Andrew is passionate about the challenge to eradicate Polio.
The goal is to permanently interrupt all poliovirus transmission in the endemic countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
US$5 billion required over 5 years to address.
The Rotary Club of Burnside donates annually to the End Polio Now programme.
many thanks to Andrew for his inspiring presentation and the passion to continue the work being done despite the on-going funding and access to the most vulnerable children.
Margie Maloney.