Rotary international District 3271 organised the World Polio Day Conclave in Karachi Pakistan. Rotary Club of Karachi Crown was the host club, and Immediate Past District Governor, Dr Aftab Imam, was the Conference Patron for the event. He was ably supported by the Conclave Chair Shahzad Sabir, Co-Chair, Syed Kashif Rafi and Conclave Coordinator, Waqar Ahmed Shaikh.
The star-studded event was graced by people who have made a difference and are serving to change lives through community service projects that have impacted the lives of millions for a better tomorrow.
The chief guest for the event was Rotary International President Elect, Gordon R. McInally and his wife, First Lady, Ann Heather.
Rotary as an organization has for more than 100 years dedicated itself to serving humanity through service projects and contribution to the social sector. With a base of 1.4 million Rotarians and Rotaractors, Rotary is the biggest humanitarian service organization globally with presence in more than 200 countries.
Rotary international started the Global fight against Polio in 1988, by launching the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Polio used to paralyze more than 350,000 children worldwide on a yearly basis. Today, the global incidence of Polio is down by more than 99%. This success was made possible through a global investment of USD 11 billion which helped vaccinate more than 2.5 billion children in 200 countries. Due to the efforts of the GPEI, more than 10 million children are walking today, who would have otherwise been paralyzed by Polio.
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative was launched in 1994. The program is driven by more than 339,000 trained and dedicated polio vaccinators who work tirelessly to make the dream of having a Polio free Pakistan. Todate Rotary international has invested USD 400 million for the eradication of Polio in Pakistan.
Speaking at the Conclave, Rotary International President Elect, Gordon R. McInally said, “Real success is when we do things together and the synergies will help us achieve more. This is especially relevant to End Polio Now.
Rotary has been at the centre of the fight to eradicate Polio for more than 3 decades. Rotarians everywhere and especially in Pakistan should be proud of the work that has been accomplished. Be in No doubt, Rotary remains committed to a Polio Free World.”
Immediate Past District Governor, Dr Aftab Imam, introduced the chief guest, and said, “Gordon’s vision for his presidency is not only what he can do for Rotary, but more importantly what he can do for the people whom Rotary serves. It is very important to change and cope with changing times. The best way to increase membership is through engagement. With better engagement we will grow Rotary to provide meaningful service across the world.”
Senior Rotarians present at the occasion included, Rotary International Director, Muhammad Faiz Kidwai, Trustee Rotary Foundation and Chair, National Polio Plus Committee, Aziz Memon. District Governor, Rotary International District 3271, Syed Tehzeeb Kazmi, District Governor, Rotary International District 3272, Adnan Saboor Rohaila and District Rotract Representative, Sharjeel Habib.
In the end Awards were presented to Rotarians who worked with great zeal, dedication and commitment for eradicating polio.
