Fort St. John is joining communities around the world in recognizing the fight to eradicate polio, with city council officially proclaiming Oct. 24 as World Polio Day.
The proclamation was requested by the Rotary Club of Fort St. John Sunrise to raise awareness of the disease and the ongoing work needed to protect children worldwide.
Since Rotary launched its PolioPlus program in 1985 and helped establish the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, global polio cases have declined by 99.9 per cent.
Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only countries where wild poliovirus is endemic. Rotary and its global partners continue to support vaccination campaigns, disease surveillance, health workers and advocacy efforts.
Steve Cope, president of the Rotary Club of Fort St. John Sunrise, said education and awareness remain important parts of the effort.
“I hope this proclamation encourages people to learn more about polio and helps raise awareness of why this work still matters,” Cope said.
“The more people understand, the stronger our collective effort can be to see polio eradicated once and for all.”
Rotary has contributed more than US$2.9 billion to the global eradication effort and remains a core partner in the initiative.
World Polio Day is observed annually on Oct. 24 to recognize progress toward eliminating the disease, honour the health workers and volunteers involved, and encourage continued public support.
Cope said the local proclamation helps connect Fort St. John to the worldwide campaign.
“Having World Polio Day recognized here in Fort St. John connects our community to an effort that reaches around the world,” he said.
“Eradication is within reach, but continued awareness and commitment are essential.”
Residents can learn more about polio and Rotary’s work toward a polio-free world through the End Polio Now campaign.
The Rotary Club of Fort St. John Sunrise has been serving the community since 2004, supporting local organizations and causes through volunteering, fundraising and community partnerships.
