Category: Health

Rotary Stands Committed To Humanitarian Aid And Peace

For over 100 years, Rotary International has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, championing international aid and peace initiatives across the globe. With over 46,000 clubs worldwide, Rotary’s commitment to “Service Above Self” transcends borders, cultures, and politics, allowing it to respond swiftly with the help of organizations like USAID to provide immediate and long-term aid to communities in need, particularly in response to natural disasters, poverty, and health crises. Relying solely on voluntary contributions through its Rotary Foundation, the organization funds projects that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as disease prevention, clean water access, education, and economic development. 

One of Rotary’s greatest international contributions is its role in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Since launching its PolioPlus program in 1985, Rotary has worked alongside partners like WHO and UNICEF to reduce polio cases by 99.9%, saving millions of children from paralysis and death. Rotary continues to fund vaccinations and surveillance efforts in regions where the disease remains a threat.

Rotary members from 21 districts, in partnership with UNICEF, are working with local governments to develop and implement immunization programs to protect 100,000 children from rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, and cervical cancer across nine South Pacific Island countries, including Kiribati and Fiji. The Give Every Child a Future project is committed to strengthening the immunization programs in each country so that these vaccines continue to be delivered to future generations of children. Tarawa, Kiribati. 28 March 2023.

Through partnerships with organizations like ShelterBox, Rotary has provided emergency shelter, food, and supplies to families affected by earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, and conflict. Beyond direct aid, Rotary actively promotes global peace by addressing the root causes of conflict—poverty, lack of education, and inequality. Rotary Peace Centers train peacebuilders and conflict resolution experts who work in diplomacy, law, and international relations. Each year, Rotary Peace Fellowships provide scholarships for professionals to study at leading universities, equipping them with the skills to mediate disputes and foster reconciliation in conflict zones. Additionally, Rotary supports grassroots peacebuilding efforts, from youth education programs to interfaith dialogue initiatives. Rotary members work in communities to reduce tensions, combat extremism, and promote understanding among diverse groups. As Dr. Martin Luther King said, peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice and opportunity.

Rotary members and other volunteers pack supplies at a warehouse is Zamosc, Poland, approximately 60km (27 miles) from the border with Ukraine. Zamosc is a major hub for people displaced by the conflict and a centralized coordination location for aid from clubs in Europe. The Rotary Club of Zamosc Ordynacki rents a warehouse where daily shipments of food, water, clothing, blankets, and medical supplies are sorted and prepared for transport to all regions of Ukraine. 27 April 2022. Zamosc, Poland.

Rotary’s commitment goes beyond immediate relief to catalyzing self-sustaining projects in the following areas:

  • Ensuring communities have access to safe drinking water, reducing disease and improving health.
  • Funding schools, scholarships, and literacy programs to empower future generations to break the cycle of poverty.
  • Combating infant mortality, malnutrition, and maternal health for healthier families and stronger communities.
  • Providing microfinance programs and vocational training help people gain skills and financial independence.

Rotary’s hierarchical structure allows clubs to diffuse their efforts across international, regional, and local projects. By working with Rotary International, Rotary District 5520, and other Rotary clubs, Rotary Club of Los Alamos has been able to send an ambulance from White Rock to Ukraine through US Ambulances for Ukraine and build drinking water systems in Guatemala. We also organize Meals of Hope food packing events for The Food Depot which distributes food across northern New Mexico. Through the Purple Pinky campaign, we raise awareness and funds for PolioPlus which provides vaccinations to children in polio-endemic countries. The LAHS Interact Club supports these efforts, but also spearheads their own projects. For example, they raised money to combat human trafficking in South America through Vos Tambien, provide Shelterboxes for Syria and Turkey earthquake victims, and held a peace glow and fundraiser for Ukraine. In my upcoming presidential year, I hope to lead our club in funding a solar-powered well and greenhouse project for remote desert communities of the Navajo Nation and our endowment to support the many worthy humanitarian organizations facing crises around the world.

Community members held glow sticks and stood in the shape of a giant heart at Overlook Field in support of Ukraine.

Rotary’s work is driven by volunteers and donors who believe in making a difference. Consider joining us a member, volunteer, or donor with our club or the Rotary Foundation and its global initiatives. As conflicts persist and humanitarian challenges evolve, Rotary International remains steadfast in its commitment to service. Even in the face of adversity, people united by a common purpose can create a more just and compassionate world.

We invite you to join us for Crabfest—our biggest fundraiser of the year—only a week away on Saturday, February 22 at 5:30pm at Cottonwood on the Greens. Please purchase tickets in advance. It will feature a delicious meal, an auction of unique and interesting items from around the world, and opportunities to learn more about our local and international projects. Email losalamosrotary1312@gmail.com for more info.

Today is World Polio Day

What is polio?

Polio (poliomyelitis) is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It mainly affects children under the age of 5. Polio can cause permanent paralysis and even death.

How is Rotary making a difference?

  • Collaborating with global partners to organize mass immunization drives, reaching millions of children, even in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
  • Raising awareness about the importance of polio vaccines, helping dispel myths and encouraging participation in vaccination campaigns.
  • Advocating to governments to ensure sustained political and financial support for eradication efforts.
  • Building infrastructure such as healthcare systems, laboratories, and rapid-response teams to detect and contain outbreaks.
  • Innovating solutions like traveling by boat, camel, or foot to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.

Our work has already made a significant impact, reducing polio cases by 99.9% since 1988.

Why do we need your help?

Even with only a few cases left, we must continue our efforts until the world is polio-free. As long as one child remains infected, children everywhere are at risk. Your donations and volunteer efforts are crucial in delivering vaccines, supporting surveillance, and providing life-saving resources.

Protecting a child from polio for life only costs $3.

How can you get involved?

  • Donate to help fund vaccines, healthcare workers, and community education.
  • Volunteer to join a local Rotary chapter and participate in vaccination efforts.
  • Raise awareness about polio eradication efforts on social media.

Together, we can make history by ending polio for good. Be part of the solution – join Rotary today! For more information, visit EndPolio.org.

  • A class of students who received their purple pinkies.
  • Service Chair James Wernicke poses with a student who received their purple pinky.
  • Club President Tim Bullock and Service Chair James Wernicke pose for a photo in between student groups.
  • Club President Tim Bullock applies purple ink to indicate a vaccinated a child.