Once, not so long ago, the word Poliomyelitis more commonly known as polio was enough to spread panic through communities and countries around the world. For many, haunting images of contorted or crippled children is often the first thing that comes to mind.

Those old enough to remember the polio epidemic may recall that many feared it because it affected thousands, caused paralysis and sometimes-even death.

Polio, a devastating acute viral infection has been in existence and can be traced back to ancient times. This highly contagious infection is transmitted person to person, primarily through fecal or oral contact, as a result of ingesting contaminated food or water.

However, the polio cases seemed to peak in this country around the 1900’s, and even more so in the 1950’s. In 1952 alone, approximately 60, 000 persons were infected and over 3,000 deaths occurred in the United States as a direct result of polio.

This viral infection could present itself with mild flu like symptoms, moderate manifestations causing possible neurological symptoms, or more severe cases where the infection left the individual with devastating and debilitating paralysis.

There were some early polio vaccinations that were used abroad, but they posed health risks. It took several attempts of trial and error, before a successful preventable polio vaccination became widely available.

The two most noted for their contributions in developing vaccines was Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin.

Then in 1952, Salk developed the first widely used inactive poliovirus vaccine (IPV), and Sabin, developed a live oral polio vaccine (OPV) both used to fight the epidemic. This oral vaccine was licensed and made available in 1962, and was recognized and used around the world.

Today, both of the IPV and the OPV are still being administered around the world. However, the OPV tends to be the preventative treatment of choice in many countries where cases of polio remain a major health threat. The OPV is preferred because it is easy to administer, provides and optimal immunity, and is relatively inexpensive.

The Western hemisphere was declared polio-free in the early 1990’s. Europe was declared polio-free in 2002, in addition to 36 Western Pacific countries. Currently, the largest areas and pockets of polio cases remain in Africa and South Asia.

Often the lack of resources, limited clean water and food resources, and close living quarters increase the rate of disease.

However, there are individuals and organizations dedicated and committed to the eradication of polio. Among those most noted for their endeavors and active participation around the world, also make up part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Some of the more familiar organizations include Uniceff, the World Health Organization, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Rotary International.

Rotary International, an active humanitarian service organization, is made up of nearly 33,000 clubs in more than 200 countries around the world.

In 1985, Rotary International launched and pledged to participate in the polio eradication efforts through the Polio Plus Program, made up of the largest private-sector support of the global health initiative.

Rotary International has also partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the US$355 million dollar grant challenge. The challenge is that Rotary will match the grant with an additional US$200 million over the next three years, striving to raise a needed US$555 million to eradicate and eliminate polio.

Bill Gates said, “The extraordinary dedication of Rotary members has played a critical role in bringing polio to the brink of eradication.”

Here at the local level the Grafton Rotary Club, also part of District #7530 has been hard at work to contribute to the polio eradication project. The week of February 21-28, 2010, has been designated as “Polio Awareness Week.”

During the weeklong event, clubs across the country and around the world will be hard at work to raise public awareness on the crippling, paralysis and fatalities that still occur as a result of polio. In addition, clubs will be organizing activities and other fundraising efforts, as a pledge of ongoing support and a “Promise of a polio-free world.”

The Grafton Rotary Club has a committee that is dedicated to this humanitarian project and polio eradication efforts. The club is also planning and organizing a local fundraising project.

The Grafton Rotary Club will soon make announcements regarding dates and times of local community events. Rotarians around the world maintain their perseverance and fight on eradicating polio.

Rotary will continue their humanitarian work, living up to its motto. “Service above self.”