Letter to the Editor in the June 26, 2019, edition of the Columbus Dispatch from Past District Governor Craig Maxey

Thank you very much for the Associated Press photograph in Thursday's Dispatch of a Pakistani child receiving two precious lifesaving drops of polio vaccination.

In 1985, Rotarians made a promise to children to rid the world of this dreaded paralyzing disease. At that time, I don’t think that anyone knew what it would take to accomplish this task.

Since then, it has been Rotary’s largest humanitarian effort. Rotarians have contributed $1.9 billion to the eradication efforts. With partners such as the World Health Organization we continue to work toward a polio-free world. Polio will only be the second disease ever eradicated from the world, the first being smallpox.

To put the eradication effort into perspective, in 1988 there were 40 new cases of polio per hour, 350,000 cases during the year. Last year there were only 33 cases. We are truly “this close.”

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation rewards every dollar that Rotarians raise with a 2-1 match.

I am proud to say that Rotarians in District 6690 (central and southeast Ohio) have contributed almost $200,000 toward polio eradication this Rotary year. With the match from the foundation, it equals nearly $600,000.