Polio cases in Horn of Africa threaten Tanzania

By Devota Mwachang`a

  None reported in country since 1998

Rotary International President-Elect, Gary Huang

While Tanzania has not had a single case of polio since 1998, recent outbreak of the virus in the Horn of Africa (cases in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia) threatens to spread and re-infect the country.


Addressing a news conference in Dar es Salaam early this week, Rotary International President -Elect Gary Huang warned that: “We saw in 2009 and 2010 how quickly polio came back to Uganda, and that is why it is critical that all children are protected from this devastation disease.”

However, he reassured the public that: “Rotary and its partners are close to eradicating the second human disease in history after smallpox…we have achieved 99 percent reduction in polio cases since 1988,” he said.

Huang said now that 80 percent of the world’s population lives in regions certified polio-free-the goal of eradication is closer than ever.
Notably, since 1988, polio cases around the world have been reduced by 99 percent thanks to the commitment of the Rotary International (RI) clubs worldwide who have contributed more than USD1.2bn/- (roughly 1.9trn/-) towards the global eradication of polio.

Huang - said the recent historic polio-free certification of the World Health Organisation’s South East Asia Region- which include India, is a tremendous global health win.

Also pledging to remain committed to the virus’ eradication, the Rotary International President Nominee Ravindran, said all efforts will be directed to this goal.

Rotary clubs in Tanzania are heavily involved in health as well as water and sanitation projects. In Tanzania 12.1percent of deaths are caused due to water, sanitation and hygiene related issues.

Now with this renewed threat of polio, Rotary’s presence and commitment to meet the challenge gives great hope to many. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN