This year, the overarching theme of World Polio Day is “A healthier future for mothers and children.” The theme urges the world to acknowledge the progress made in the battle to eradicate polio in children and the work to provide a healthier future for mothers.
The goal is to provide mothers with a positive pregnancy experience to help them with the development of children for a brighter and better future.
History and significance
World Polio Day was established in 1985 by Rotary International to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who was the lead medical researcher of the team that developed a vaccine against polio. He developed the inactivated poliovirus vaccine, which first came into use in 1955. This was further developed as the oral polio vaccine by Albert Sabin, which came into use in 1961. Today, the polio vaccines are recommended all over the world, particularly for children under the age of five, who are the most vulnerable to the infection.
On World Polio Day, global organisations such as Rotary International, WHO and others host several events to raise awareness about polio. Events range from rallies, walks, and webinars to organising competitions in schools and clubs. In the global fight to eradicate polio, no member is too small to contribute.
On the 24th October Rotary clubs around the world engage in projects to raise awareness of Polio, and to raise funds to continue the Rotary International pledge to eradicate polio. In Thailand the theme for Rotary District 3330 was to undertake environmental projects and all 101 clubs in the district were encouraged to take part.
The Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin took part in a project initiated by RC Pranburi, and involved all four clubs in area 16 Prachuap Khiri Khan, the other two clubs being RC Hua Hin and RC Prachuap Khiri Khan. The location of the project was the Pranburi Forest, which was established over 40 years ago by the late Rama 9 King of Thailand, and has been supported by Rotary over the years with various projects.
Over 60 Rotarians from the four clubs, Rotaractors from Stamford International University Rotary Ann’s and friends took part in the event.
The morning consisted of a presentation about the history of Pranburi Forest, a tour around the forest with the rangers and planting of 60 trees. This was concluded with lunch at one of the onsite restaurants.