A COMMUNITY UNITED AGAINST POLIO: RCATN’S INSPIRING OUTREACH
In a heartwarming show of commitment to public health, the Rotary Club of Accra-Teshie Nungua (RCATN) recently joined forces with other clubs across District 9104 to unveil a powerful symbol of hope—the Polio Billboard at Efua Sutherland Park, Accra. This initiative is part of the global campaign to eradicate polio, a disease that continues to threaten vulnerable communities.
Following the unveiling, RCATN members visited the Nima Government Clinic, where dozens of mothers had gathered with their babies for immunisation. The atmosphere was one of care and community, as the medical team, led by Municipal Medical Director Dr. Victor Hagan, welcomed and briefed us on the day’s activities.
What followed was more than a routine health intervention—it was a culturally sensitive educational session. The medical team spoke in local dialects and plain English, weaving in community observations to emphasize the importance of immunisation. Their approach was empathetic and effective, ensuring every mother understood the life-saving value of protecting her child against polio.
Adding a personal touch was Mr. David Mensah of “Help My Cause Foundation,” a polio survivor and “End Polio” Ambassador. His moving testimony about living with the effects of polio struck a chord with the audience. He urged the mothers to be intentional about their children’s health, saying:
“Polio changed my life forever, but it doesn’t have to change your child’s. Immunisation is a gift—please don’t take it for granted.”
Beyond immunisation, the clinic staff demonstrated a holistic approach to child health. Mothers were served nutritious meals and encouraged to feed their children to boost immunity and support healthy growth. These meals also served as practical demonstrations—showing mothers how to prepare affordable, healthy food at home.
RCATN’s visit was more than symbolic—it was a testament to the power of community collaboration, empathy, and education in driving lasting change.
A Call to Action: Help Finish the Fight
1988, global polio cases have dropped by 99.9%, thanks to the efforts of Rotary and its partners. Over 3 billion children have been immunised, and more than 19.4 million people who would have been paralysed are walking today. Yet, polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and vaccine-derived outbreaks continue in areas with low immunisation coverage. In 2024, global coverage for the third dose of the polio vaccine stood at 84%, still below the pre-pandemic level of 86%. To truly eradicate polio, we must reach every child, everywhere.
Families and friends of Rotarians are urged to continue supporting the PolioPlus Fund, Rotary’s flagship initiative to end polio. Every dollar donated is matched 2-to-1 by the Gates Foundation, tripling your impact. Visit EndPolio.org to donate and be part of history.
Together, we can ensure that no child ever suffers from this preventable disease again.
#EndPolioNow #PolioPlus #ImmunisationMatters #CommunityHealth #RCATN #D9104 #Zone22 #Region27 #RotaryIsGood #Unite4Good
