In February 2010, Frank Spiteri from the Rotary Club of Warragul, along with five other dedicated Rotarians from Gippsland, embarked on a mission to Visakhapatnam, India, to support Rotary International’s relentless fight against polio. Among the team was Frank’s daughter, reflecting the commitment and passion for this crucial cause.
At a recent club dinner meeting, Frank recalled his experiences with club Rotary Foundation chair Greg King and other club members, further highlighting the camaraderie and dedication of the Rotary community.
Franks Spiteri (right) and Greg King (left) displays the poster Frank was given while at the vaccination clinic in Visakhapatnam, India
The local Rotary Club in Visakhapatnam warmly welcomed and hosted the Gippsland Rotarians. During their stay, they played a vital role in administering polio vaccinations and providing promotional support for the program. Their efforts were aimed at ensuring no child was left unprotected from this crippling disease.
While in India, the group had the opportunity to witness a range of other impactful Rotary projects, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the global reach and impact of Rotary’s humanitarian initiatives.
Frank Spiteri expressed pride in contributing to the Rotary International Polio Program. On returning to Gippsland, he shared his experiences and insights with various local Rotary clubs, inspiring others with the story of the global fight against polio and the difference Rotary makes in communities worldwide.
When the polio eradication program began in India in 1994, the country accounted for 60% of the world’s polio cases. Thanks to relentless efforts, India was declared polio-free in 2011.
Since its inception in 1988, Rotary International's "End Polio Now" program has achieved a remarkable 99.9% reduction in polio cases worldwide. Today, only Afghanistan and Pakistan remain polio-endemic.
For more information about Rotary International’s polio eradication efforts and how you can support, please visit Rotary’s End Polio Now website.