Rotary tackled polio long before Bill Gates

sir – In 1985, Rotary launched its Polioplus programme – the first initiative to tackle global polio through the mass vaccination of children.

Since then, Rotary has contributed more than £1.28 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunise more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries.

Its advocacy efforts have also played a role in decisions by donor governments to contribute more than £5.4 billion to the effort. It was in 2013 that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation teamed up with what was already a well-funded and wellcoordinated effort to rid the world of this dreadful disease.

The Gates Foundation has assisted immensely in the final push to tackle polio, but it would be good to see Rotary receive recognition for its 32-year effort. Mike Cowan

Cowes, Isle of Wight