Let’s make polio history

Friday 12th September 2008, 2:50PM BST.

ISLANDERS have been asked to join the final push to eradicate polio from the world.

Members of Jersey’s two Rotary Clubs have been hearing this week from Jannine Birtwhistle, the charity’s Polio-Plus Liaison Officer, about the campaign.

‘I have been trying to give an overview of how we are so close to ridding the world of polio,’ she said. ‘The disease is no longer a concern for most of the western world but it is important for everyone that we reach our goal.’

As the representative for the southwest district, Mrs Birtwhistle’s role is to raise awareness of the ongoing effort and to encourage Rotarians to help rid the world of the disease. The campaign was boosted recently by a pledge of $100 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a figure that Rotary have agreed to match over the next three years.

• Picture: Jannine Birtwistle: (00587769)

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