Yesterday’s Wall Street Journal had a small article marking the 50th anniversary of the Salk polio vaccine. As a result of the vaccine, polio has been eliminated as a threat in most parts of the world, and is nearly gone from the rest. The article goes on to note the little-known part played by Rotary International in their on-going effort to eradicate the disease. Rotary launched its efforts to eliminate Polio in 1985. Since then, more than 1 million Rotary members have volunteered their time or donated money to immunize an estimated 2 billion children in 122 countries. Estimates are that by the year 2008, Rotary will have given an incredible $600,000,000 towards this effort. 
Jonas Salk. Rotary International.
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What a frightening disease polio was, and what an achievement the vaccine. Here’s to the final eradication of polio from every spot on earth.
Yes, it’s a tragedy that anyone could come down with polio in this day and age.
Any cases of polio reported this year? I hope eradication is within our grasp.