The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Be aware of our purple leaves
World Polio Day (October 24th ) was celebrated here in Peterborough when, as promised by the city council, the pla- ne trees lining Bridge Street were bathed in magical purple light - this being the colour of the purple crocus, symbol of Rotary’s End Polio Campaign.
Assiyah Joseph, city councillor and president of Peterborough Rotary, had the idea which was supported by Peterborough City Council.
On World Polio Day, Aasiyah was accompanied by the mayor (pictured) as the lights were turned on. It had rained heavily in the afternoon and, with the trees still in leaf, they formed a spectacular canopy over the street. The still wet leaves sparkled and the pavements reflected the light from above creating a purple haze below.
Some charities focus on just one particular area whereas Rotary clubs are involved with many different causes, choices depending on the individual club. However, End Polio is the one project which all Rotarians worldwide support.
Whilst Peterborough was bathed in purple light on World Polio Day, Rotary International and its partners had wonderful news to report: - wild poliovirus type three (WPV3) was officially declared to be totally eradicated from the world. This major milestone comes on the heels of recent news that Nigeria has gone three years without a case of wild poliovirus, meaning the entire African region could be certified wild poliovirus-free in 2020. Types one and two still exist in Pakistan and Afghanistan, countries subject to war and hostile activity in the past years making access difficult.
It was a shock when a new case was recently reported in the Philippines, previously polio free. This highlights the continuing need for all to be vaccinated. In our own country there is concern that some children are not being vaccinated against other diseases such as measles. This single case of polio flags a warning against dropping our guard against infectious diseases.
“The eradication of WPV3 is a critical step in Rotary’s fight to eradicate polio,” said Michael K. McGovern, chair of Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee. “Even as we’re addressing major challenges in Pakistan and Afghanistan, we continue to make historic progress showing us eradication is possible.
“World Polio Day was a time to reflect on our efforts, how far we’ve come, and the work that still needs to be done to fulfil our promise of a polio-free world.”