We were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of three polio workers in Jalalabad, Afghanistan in March. The three women were Nagina, a supervisor since 2012, Basira, a volunteer since 2016 and Samina, a volunteer in the last few rounds. All were shot while working in the field during the current immunization rounds. We pray for their families and that there is no more loss of life.

There is some positive news on the reported Polio Cases vs last year at this time.

Officially reported WPV1 and cVDPV cases as of 30 Mar. 2021
Wild poliovirus (WPV)
Total global WPV1 cases in 2021: 2 (compared with 34 for the same period in 2020)
Total global WPV1 cases in 2020: 140

Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) cases
Total global cVDPV cases in 2021: 43 (compared with 65 for the same period in 2020)
Total global cVDPV cases in 2020: 1074

Alert! It is time to prepare for the 1,000 Mile ‘Run with Bernie’ Challenge. It starts July 1, 2021 and ends October 24, 2021 (World Polio Day). Our Goal is to Raise $’s and Awareness for Polio, help achieve your Club’s Polio Goal and have FUN! Bernie has a personal goal of walking/running/biking 1,000 miles and encourages others to join him in this quest. But… it is OK if an Individual or Team does not hit 1,000 miles! Again, most important is to raise $’s, raise Awareness and have FUN! We currently have 42 participants representing 22 Rotary Clubs Signed Up. See your Club President Elect for more information!!!

Thank You for all you do to help eradicate Polio in the world,

Bernie Riedel & Mary Gasque
End Polio Now Co-Chairs
District 7770