Rotary Peace Forum: Robert Scott Chairman of International Polio Plus Committee

Robert Scott spoke at the Rotary Peace Forum in Hawaii.  He indicated that Rotary was very close to eradicating polio.  Interestingly, Holly Mosher a social entrepreneur made a suggestion during her speech for women to be involved in immunisation, similar to the micro credit.  I thought it was a good idea. 

Polio has been the mainstay of Rotary and its complete irradication is their goal.  They are indeed very close only two countries in the world left to remove polio.

This is an article by Bob Scott speaking about polio irradication barriers in Pakistan.  He spoke of this issue in his talk and there were moments he felt afraid given opposition and mindsets that feel threatened by health workers.  He showed an amazing photo of a Taliban offering polio drops to a child, it was indeed a beautiful photo.  Imagine if we can bring all disparate parties together for the benefit of children. 

http://www.rotary.org/en/serviceandfellowship/polio/announcements/pages/12dec18_annc_polioworkers.aspx

Here is a statement from Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee Chair Robert S. Scott concerning the attacks on health workers in Pakistan:

Rotary International joins the Government of Pakistan and our partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in condemning the recent attacks that have killed and wounded health workers in Pakistan.

The shooting victims are among the thousands of health workers and volunteers — including members of Pakistan’s 151 Rotary clubs — who are committed to saving children by stopping the transmission of polio in Pakistan, one of three countries where the crippling virus remains endemic.

The attacks prompted the Government of Pakistan to temporarily suspend the vaccination campaign due to concerns over the safety of health workers.

Rotary is deeply concerned that such attacks deprive at-risk children of basic life-saving health care services, including polio vaccinations. I know that Pakistani Rotarians, supported by Rotary members worldwide, will continue to do their utmost to create a safe environment so that these dedicated health workers can reach the nation’s most vulnerable children with vaccinations and other vital health interventions.

Polio eradication has been Rotary’s highest priority since 1985, and we are on the brink of making history by beating polio once and for all.  

On behalf of Rotary’s 1.2 million members, representing 34,000 clubs in 200 countries and areas, I extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims. Their dedication and sacrifice further inspire us to continue moving forward toward our goal of a polio-free world.  

Robert S. Scott, Chair
International PolioPlus Committee
The Rotary Foundation
Rotary International