NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

Contact: Audrey Carl, (847) 866-3424, Audrey.Carl@rotary.org

EVANSTON, Ill. (Oct. 18, 2016) — Rotary, a global network of volunteers who connect leaders and take action to improve lives, will honor six individuals and two corporations for bringing positive, lasting change to their communities.

Through inclusive business practices, each brings employment, mentoring, education, innovation and collaboration to their humanitarian work. "These business leaders represent the intersection of commerce and cause," said Rotary International President John Germ. "Because of their dedication to economic development, thousands of individuals have gained steady employment, vital job skills, and the education necessary to build a better life. I extend my warmest congratulations to them for their outstanding service to humanity."

The following honorees will receive Rotary's Responsible Business recognition on Nov. 12 at Rotary Day at the United Nations, an annual event that highlights humanitarian activities that Rotary and the United Nations lead around the world.

• Coca-Cola Pakistan: Raises public awareness for polio vaccinations in Pakistan – one of the few remaining countries that has never stopped the paralyzing disease -- and clean water and sanitation projects.
• Mercantil Banco Universal: Supports a project that has trained 6,000 students at 40 universities on social responsibility and leadership, with the goal of encouraging students to use their academic knowledge to help underserved communities in Venezuela and beyond.
• Juan Silva Beauperthuy, Rotary Club of Chacao, Venezuela: Helps keep disadvantaged youth on the right track through Queremos Graduarnos an education program focused on mentoring and skill development supported by his engineering firm. Today, the program serves over 700 students in 18 schools.
• Jean-Paul Faure, Rotary Club of Cagnes-Grimaldi, France: Encourages young professionals and provides promising new businesses with training and funding. Faure launched a business contest called Le Trophee du Rotary. Now in its seventh year, the program has drawn support from a major bank and kept past participants involved as mentors.
• Suresh Goklaney, Rotary Club of Bombay, India: Provides clean water in rural villages and urban slums throughout India. Goklaney, executive vice chairman of the world's largest manufacturer of UV water purification systems, has also established water centers where local women sell clean water to generate income.
• Annemarie Mostert, Rotary Club of Southern Africa, South Africa: Offers education, job training, entrepreneurship, and leadership development for women through Sesego Cares, a Johannesburg-based nonprofit Mostert established in 2005. She also collaborated with TOMS and mobilized 70 Rotary clubs across the country to provide 1.3 million pairs of shoes to children in need.
• Stephanie Woollard, Rotary Club of Melbourne, Australia: Helps Nepalese women make and sell products abroad. Woollard founded Seven Women after meeting seven illiterate craftspeople during a visit to Nepal – and has since trained and employed more than 1,000 women in the last decade, while also teaching basic bookkeeping and computer skills.
• Larry Wright, Rotary Club of Taylor, Michigan, USA: Supports entrepreneurs in bankruptcy-era Detroit, providing microloans, business classes, and mentorship through his organization Launch Detroit.

About Rotary:

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Visit rotary.org to learn more. To access broadcast quality video footage and still photos: The Newsmarket. For more information on the Rotary Responsible Business Awards, visit: https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/news-media/rotary-day-un-highlights-role-business-building-better-world

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NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

Contact: Stéphanie Tobler Mucznik, phone +41 44 387 71 16, email: stephanie.tobler@rotary.org

Aims to build membership and understanding of organization’s impact and values 

EVANSTON, Ill., USA (5 October 2016) — Samuel “Sam” Owori of Kampala, Uganda was today confirmed president-nominee of Rotary International - a humanitarian service organization that unites leaders committed to improving lives and bringing positive, lasting change to communities around the world.

As a member of the Rotary Club Kampala, Uganda for 38 years, Owori says, “Rotary has become a way of life for me – with the intrinsic value and core belief in mutual responsibility and concern for one another as a cornerstone. I feel immense satisfaction knowing that through Rotary, I’ve helped someone live better.” 

During his one-year term as Rotary’s 108^th president beginning on 1 July 2018, Owori will focus on building membership worldwide and increasing visibility and understanding of Rotary. He’s played an instrumental role in growing the number of clubs in Uganda from nine to 89 over the course of 29 years. “Today more than ever, the world needs to know and understand Rotary’s impact and values of advancing international understanding, goodwill and peace,” says Owori. “We are all too busy and we’ve lost our patience. Through friendship and service, membership in Rotary offers countless ways to connect and create meaningful change in your community, as well as opportunities to see the world through a more global lens.”

Rotary members throughout the world take action to make communities better.  They contribute their time, energy and passion to carry out impactful and sustainable projects in the areas of peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and economic and community development.  

As president, Owori will oversee Rotary’s top humanitarian goal of eradicating the paralyzing disease polio. Rotary launched its polio immunization program PolioPlus in 1985, and in 1988 became a spearheading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and was later joined by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Since the initiative launched, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to 26 confirmed to date in 2016. Rotary has contributed more than US $1.6 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries.

Owori is chief executive officer of the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda. Before that, he was executive director of the African Development Bank, managing director of Uganda Commercial Bank Ltd., and director of Uganda Development Bank. He has studied law, employment relations, business management, corporate resources management, microfinance, and marketing at institutions in England, Japan, Switzerland, Tanzania, and the United States, including Harvard Business School.

About Rotary

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. To access broadcast quality video footage and still photos go to: The Newsmarket.

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NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

Contact: Michelle Kloempken, (847) 866-3247 Michelle.Kloempken@rotary.org

$8.15 million will go toward stemming the recent outbreak in Nigeria and countries in the Lake Chad Basin region

EVANSTON, Illinois (20 September 2016) — Rotary today committed an additional $35 million in grants to support the global effort to end polio, bringing the humanitarian service organization's contribution to $105 million in 2016.

The announcement follows recent reports of three new cases of wild poliovirus in Nigeria: two cases in July, and one in August. The three cases are the first to be detected in Nigeria since July 2014. With these cases, funding for polio eradication is particularly vital as rapid response plans are now in action in Nigeria and surrounding countries to stop the outbreak quickly and prevent its spread. Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) are acting to immunize children in Nigeria and countries in the Lake Chad Basin (Chad, northern Cameroon, southern Niger and the Central African Republic). Nearly one-fourth of the funds Rotary announced today ($8.15 million) will support the emergency response campaigns in this at-risk region, and last month Rotary provided $500,000 to immediately assist with the outbreak response.

While significant strides have been made against the paralyzing disease, with just 26 cases reported in 2016, polio remains a threat in hard-to-reach and underserved areas and conflict zones.

"While we are disappointed with the recent news coming out of Nigeria, this situation underscores the extreme importance of widespread immunization campaigns and strong disease surveillance in all countries of the world until polio is fully eradicated," said Michael K. McGovern, chair of Rotary's International PolioPlus Committee. "This funding will help ensure that Rotary and our GPEI partners are doing all that we can to redouble our efforts and protect the progress in polio-free parts of the world, as well as stop transmission in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and now Nigeria."

To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, experts say $1.5 billion is urgently needed. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk. Rotary has contributed more than $1.6 billion and countless volunteer hours to fight polio. Through 2018, every dollar Rotary commits to polio eradication will be matched two-to-one by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation up to $35 million a year.

Rotary launched its polio immunization program PolioPlus in 1985, and in 1988 became a spearheading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and was later joined by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Since the initiative launched, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to 26 confirmed to date in 2016.

In addition to supporting the response in the Lake Chad Basin region, funding has been allocated to support polio eradication efforts in Afghanistan ($5.55 million), Pakistan ($12.36 million), India ($875,000), Somalia ($1.77 million), South Sudan ($2.04 million), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo ($2 million). A final grant in the amount of $2.25 million will support key WHO staff.

About Rotary

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. To access broadcast quality video footage and still photos go to: The Newsmarket.

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News Release

For immediate release 

Contact: Chanele Williams (847)866-3466, chanele.williams@rotary.org

EVANSTON, Ill. (July 26, 2016) — Rotary and disaster relief charity ShelterBox renewed a three-year agreement to provide immediate, lifesaving assistance to survivors of natural disasters and conflict.

Rotary clubs worldwide have mobilized to provide immediate relief to thousands of displaced people quickly and efficiently with ShelterBox for 16 years. To date, Rotary members have donated US$48 million to provide shelter for families in need – 40 percent of ShelterBox's total of US$119.6 million raised.

"The partnership between Rotary and ShelterBox has provided a place of refuge to people facing some of the most difficult and uncertain moments in their lives," said John Hewko, general secretary of Rotary. "We are happy to renew this project partnership and honor our ongoing commitment to taking action to help communities devastated by disasters and conflict."

Each ShelterBox container typically provides a tent designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, along with regionally-appropriate supplies such as a water purification kit, blankets, tools, solar lights, and other necessities to help a family survive for six months or more after a disaster.

As part of the communities they serve, Rotary clubs help ShelterBox identify and prioritize immediate relief needs in disaster-affected areas and assist with the deployment of shelter kits, education materials and lifesaving supplies. Rotary members also fund aid boxes, become trained relief volunteers, assist with shipping customs clearance and connect with governments and other organizations in impacted areas to facilitate the delivery of boxes and aid. CEO of ShelterBox, Chris Warham said, "Rotary and ShelterBox will always stand side by side to help those less fortunate. This project partnership renewal simply indicates the strength of our long friendship, and recognizes the immense practical and funding support provided by Rotary members worldwide to enable us to reach out to families in distress."

About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteers dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. To access broadcast quality video footage and still photos go to: The Newsmarket.

About ShelterBox
ShelterBox has provided emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families affected by more than 270 disasters in more than 95 countries, and has already helped over 1 million beneficiaries. Based in Cornwall, United Kingdom, with 18 international affiliates, ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity that delivers emergency shelter, warmth, and dignity to people made homeless by disasters worldwide. The agreement with Rotary reaffirms the charity's volunteer base, enhancing its capacity to respond rapidly to disasters while keeping costs low. ShelterBox teams and their distribution partners are currently operating in Ecuador, Paraguay, Sri Lanka, Niger, Cameroon, Syria and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

MEDIA ALERT

For immediate release

Contact: Audrey Carl, (847) 866-3424, audrey.carl@rotary.org

ATLANTA, Ga., USA (11 July 2016) – In preparation of the 2017 Rotary International Convention, Rotary received a record number of paid pre-registrations during the 2016 convention. With nearly a year before the convention begins, more than 21,000 attendees have already registered, far exceeding previous convention totals for the initial May-June registration period. The 2017 Rotary International Convention will be held in Atlanta, coinciding with the centennial of the Rotary Foundation, which was established during the 1917 convention in Atlanta.

The convention pre-registration announcement comes on the heels of significant strides made against the eradication of polio, Rotary's flagship cause. With just two polio-endemic countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, there is an opportunity this year to see the last case of polio, giving convention attendees an additional reason to celebrate.

"Rotary's International Convention is a time for Rotary members of all backgrounds and walks of life to come together in celebration of their friendship and mutual dedication to service," said Rotary International President John Germ. "I'm so pleased that once again the great city of Atlanta will be our 2017 host city. With more than 21,000 registrants so far, and thousands more expected attendees, I'm certain the 2017 convention will be one of the largest in Rotary history. I look forward to working with the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and Rotary's Host Organizing Committee over the coming months to create an unforgettable experience for all those involved."

Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) and Georgia Department of Economic Development representatives attended the 2016 Rotary International Convention in Korea to pre-promote Atlanta. Both organizations provided pre-and post-trip planning for attendees who registered while on site in Korea. Attendees were further incentivized by a discounted pre-registration rate offered in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the Rotary Foundation.

"We are excited to welcome Rotary International back to Atlanta for the Foundation's centennial celebration," said William Pate, president and CEO, ACVB. "Atlanta has a long history with Rotary International and it is a special opportunity to welcome Rotary members from around the world to our city."

The 2017 Rotary International Convention will be held June 10-14 at the Georgia World Congress Center. The last time Rotary held its international convention in Atlanta was in 1970.

About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Visit rotary.org and endpolio.org for more about Rotary and its efforts to eradicate polio. Video and still images will be available on The NewsMarket.

About ACVB
Established in 1913, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the city and serves to favorably impact Atlanta's economy through conventions and tourism. A private, not-for-profit organization, ACVB bolsters Atlanta's $15 billion hospitality industry, which generated nearly 51 million visitors in 2015. Visit atlanta.net for more information.

CONTACT: Audrey Carl, 217-840-0443 or audrey.carl@rotary.org

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News Release

For immediate release

Contacts: Chanele Williams +1.847.866.3466/ chanele.williams@rotary.org

EVANSTON, Ill. (June 17, 2016) — As the number of Chicago Public Schools testing positive for elevated levels of toxic lead continues to rise in the wake of the Flint, Michigan water crisis, Rotary hosted a panel discussion Thursday about the safety of Chicago's water supply.

The event, moderated by WBEZ reporter, Monica Eng, featured industry experts including: Dr. Lawrence Reynolds, Flint pediatrician and member of the Governor's Water Advisory Task Force; Jamie Gaskin, CEO, United Way of Genesee County, Michigan; Joel Brammeier, president & CEO, Alliance for the Great Lakes; Dave Stoneback, director of the Evanston Public Works Agency; and Amy Krug, president, Rotary Club of Flint.

"Children are the most vulnerable members of our society and the effects of lead can have lingering effects," said Dr. Reynolds. "Some of the issues may not show up until later down the line, long after lead exposure."

Multiple Chicago Public Schools tested for lead have shown positive test results – many linking back to outdated fixtures in the schools.

"There is no federal law that says schools have to be tested for lead and in many schools it's an outdated fixture problem," said Gaskin. "Just replacing the lead service lines is not going to provide a solution. It's a complicated and dynamic problem."

Chicago, like most Midwestern and Eastern Seaboard cities, uses lead pipes to deliver water to thousands of its residents. An estimated 80 percent of Chicago households use lead service lines. In addition, Chicago installed lead pipes until 1986 – the year they were banned nationwide.

"We live in a place with 20 percent of the world's fresh surface water, said Brammeier. "If we can't get that water safely to people, we're falling down on the job."

Chicago residents can have their homes tested for lead by calling 311 or visiting www.chicagowaterquality.org for more information.

About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. To access broadcast quality video footage and still photos go to: The Newsmarket.

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News Release

For immediate release

Contacts:
Howard Chang (US): +1 847-866-3408, howard.chang@rotary.org
Katie In (Korea): +82 2 2022 8271, katie.in@edelman.com
Kate Yun (Korea): +82 2 2022 8271, kate.yun@edelman.com

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn delivered opening remarks;
Rotary committed US$35 million to end polio;
Korea gains an estimated US$245 million in tourism revenue;
Closing performance by PSY

GOYANG CITY, Korea (1 June 2016): As Rotary closed its 107th annual international meeting at KINTEX on 1 June, members from 160 countries will bring home indelible memories of Korea and new insights on how to improve lives and bring positive, lasting change to communities around the world.

During his closing speech, Rotary International President K.R. Ravindran recounted his mother's near fatal battle with polio that occurred when he was a child, and how his grandfather's Rotary club helped secure a lifesaving ventilator. He then asked Rotary members to "always be mindful that every day and every moment is precious," and to never "waste an opportunity help people be healthier, happier and better off than they were before." The session ended with an electrifying performance by K-POP superstar PSY, who is among a roster of public figures and celebrities participating in Rotary's 'This Close to ending polio' public awareness campaign.

As ending polio is Rotary's top humanitarian priority, Dr. Rebecca Martin, Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Center for Global Health, delivered an update on the progress of the initiative the previous day. "In the last three decades, we have seen astonishing progress," said Martin. "Polio cases have declined worldwide by more than 99.9%. The virus is now found in the fewest places ever. We are closer to eradicating polio than we have been at any point in history." Martin also warned, "Children are still being paralyzed as vaccines are not getting everywhere. Poliovirus knows no borders. We need to stay vigilant."

In his address at the opening plenary, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, "Rotarians do remarkable work around the world. Our two organizations have a long and productive history." He thanked Rotary members for their contributions to eradicating polio and said, "The United Nations is proud to be a partner in ending this debilitating disease."

Following UN Secretary-General Ban were remarks by Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Other highlights from this week included:

• More than 5,000 Rotary members – dressed in their traditional cultural attire – walking in solidarity for world peace from Seoul City Hall Plaza to Gwanghwamun Square, where a photo exhibit showcased 70 images of Rotary members addressing humanitarian challenges, and highlighted the history of Rotary in Korea.
• A newly renovated children's library opened in Goyang City with donated illustrated books in multiple languages from Rotary members around the world. The Juyeop Children's Library serves Korea's growing ethnic, linguistic and multicultural composition.

Organized by Rotary International in conjunction with the Seoul Host Organization Committee comprised of local Rotary members, and with significant support from the Central Government as well as local governments, the convention brought US$245 million to the local economy and created 1,800 jobs – according to the Korea Tourism Organization.

Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. To access broadcast quality video footage and still photos go to: The Newsmarket.

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News Release

For immediate release

Contacts:
Howard Chang (U.S.A.): +1 847-866-3408, howard.chang@rotary.org
Katie In (Korea): +82 2 2022 8271, katie.in@edelman.com
Kate Yun (Korea): +82 2 2022 8271, kate.yun@edelman.com

Ban Ki-moon UN Secretary-General, Hwang Kyo-ahn Prime Minister deliver opening plenary address

GOYANG CITY, Korea (29 May 2016) Ban Ki-moon, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General addressed nearly 50,000 Rotary members from more than 160 countries at the open of the humanitarian service organization's 107th annual international convention at KINTEX.

Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General said, "Rotarians do remarkable work around the world. Our two organizations have a long productive history. Rotarians even helped with the founding of the United Nations." He also thanked Rotary members for their contributions to eradicating polio – Rotary's top humanitarian goal, and said, "The United Nations is proud to be a partner in ending this debilitating disease."

Often described as a "mini-United Nations" because of its global scope and cultural diversity, the Rotary convention has transformed KINTEX, Goyang, into a kaleidoscope of energy, color and excitement with member registrants engaging in a full agenda of plenary sessions, workshops and a lineup of world class keynote speakers, including:

• PSY, K-POP superstar
• Ranil Wickremesingne, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
• Gary Knell, President and CEO, National Geographic Society
• Dananjaya Hettiarachichi, Toastmasters International World Champion of Public Speaking
• Dr. Rebecca Martin, PhD, Director of the Center for Global Health at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the effort to end polio worldwide.

Rotary clubs address community needs at home and connect with clubs around the world to tackle humanitarian challenges abroad, including; fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, growing local economies, saving mothers and children and promoting peace. On display in Rotary's "House of Friendship" in KINTEX will be hundreds of service projects that demonstrate Rotary's commitment to improving lives and creating lasting positive change worldwide.

Organized by Rotary International in conjunction with the Seoul Host Organization Committee comprised of local Rotary members, and with significant support from the Central Government as well as local governments, the convention will provide registrants with ample opportunities to savor Korea's myriad attractions, including an expansive number of parks, museums, shopping centers, restaurants, and the now-famous Gangnam district. Most popular tourist attractions to be visited by the Rotary convention participants include DMZ, World Heritage Palace, and Gangnam Fashion Street.

The Korea Tourism Organization estimates that the Rotary convention will bring KRW 292.5 (₩292,492,284,583) to the local economy and create 1,800 jobs.

Seoul is home to the first Rotary club established in Korea, chartered in 1927. Today, Korea is the fourth largest Rotary club country with 1,625 clubs and 64,149 members who support an array of local and international service initiatives, including; health programs for infants and toddlers with critical illness and chronic conditions, a multilingual library for children to help bridge local cultures, and environmental projects to help reduce the adverse health effects of Yellow Wind dust storms.

Rotary clubs in Korea also continue to support the organization's top philanthropic goal of eradicating polio. Since 1985, Rotary has contributed more than KRW 1.4 trillion (US$1.5 billion) and countless volunteer hours, with Korean Rotary clubs donating more than KRW 146 million (US$ 14.6 million) to polio eradication. In addition to contributing funds, Korean Rotary members have traveled at their own expense to immunize children against polio in India.

About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. To access broadcast quality video footage and still photos go to: The Newsmarket.

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News Release

For immediate release 

Contacts:
Howard Chang (U.S.A.): +1 847-866-3408, howard.chang@rotary.org
Katie In (Korea): +82 2 2022 8271, katie.in@edelman.com
Kate Yun (Korea): +82 2 2022 8271, kate.yun@edelman.com

GOYANG CITY, Korea (31 May 2016) — Rotary today committed an additional $35 million in grants to support the global effort to end polio – donating a total of $70 million in 2016 alone.

The announcement comes on the heels of significant strides made against the paralyzing disease, leaving just two polio-endemic countries – Afghanistan and Pakistan. If current progress continues, 2016 may mark the last case of wild poliovirus.

"While we are experiencing unprecedented success against polio, it is imperative to maintain high immunity and quality surveillance in all countries of the world until polio is fully eradicated," said Michael K. McGovern, chair of Rotary's International PolioPlus Committee. "We must protect the progress in polio-free parts of the world, as well as stopping transmission in Pakistan and Afghanistan."

Speaking today at Rotary's annual international convention, Dr. Rebecca Martin, Director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Center for Global Health, emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant. "All countries remain at risk for importation of poliovirus as long as it is circulating in Pakistan and Afghanistan", said Martin. "Now is the time the world must act rapidly and together in stopping any outbreaks of polio. Countries need to detect virus and respond with vaccination through quality immunization campaigns."

To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, experts say $1.5 billion is urgently needed. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk. Rotary has contributed more than $1.5 billion and countless volunteer hours to fight polio, with Korean Rotary clubs donating more than $14.6 million to the effort. In addition to contributing funds, Korean Rotary members have traveled at their own expense to immunize children against polio in India. Through 2018, every dollar Rotary commits to polio eradication will be matched two-to-one by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation up to $35 million a year.

Rotary launched its polio immunization program PolioPlus in 1985 and in 1988 became a spearheading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and was later joined by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Since the initiative launched, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to 16 confirmed to date in 2016.

About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. To access broadcast quality video footage and still photos go to: The Newsmarket.

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보도 자료

연락처:

Howard Chang (US): +1 847-866-3408, howard.chang@rotary.org
Katie In (Korea): 82 2 2022 8271, katie.in@edelman.com
Kate Yun (Korea): +82 2 2022 8271, kate.yun@edelman.com

한국 로타리클럽은 환경 보호에서 소아마비 퇴치에 이르기까지 오늘날 전 세계적인 인도주의 문제 해결에 힘을 보태고 있다.

한국 고양시 (2016년 5월 26일) – 전 세계 160 개 국가의 로타리 회원들이 5월 28일부터 6월 1일까지 고양시에서 개최되는 로타리 연차 세계대회에 참가하기 위해 한국을 방문한다. 이들은 세계대회에서 봉사 프로젝트에 대한 아이디어를 나누고 동료애와 결속을 다지게 된다. 아울러 지난 88년 동안 소외된 이웃들의 삶을 긍정적으로 변화시켜온 한국인 동료 회원들의 친절한 환대도 경험하게 된다.

한국의 첫 로타리클럽은 1927년 서울에서 창립되었다. 오늘날 한국은 1,625개의 로타리클럽과 6만 4,149명의 회원을 보유한 세계 네 번째의 로타리 강국이다. 한국의 로타리 회원들은 다음을 포함하는 국내외 봉사 이니셔티브에 참여해 왔다.

• 서울대학교 부설 아동병원과 파트너가 되어 선천성 질병을 앓는 영유아들을 치료하였다.
• 몽고 정부 및 환경 전문가와 협력하여 고비 사막에서 기원하는 황사로 인한 피해를 줄이는데 기여하였다.
• 이민 가정들을 위한 문화적 가교를 위해, 세계대회 기간 동안 개최 장소인 킨텍스 인근에서 아동 도서관 개장 기념식을 주관하고 대회 참가자들로부터 본국에서 갖고온 아동 서적들을 기부받을 예정이다.
• 안동 영명 장애인 학교와 팀을 이루어 재학생들의 교육 활동을 위한 원예농장을 운영하고 있다. 이 프로그램은 이 학교 재학중인 500명의 인성 및 감성 교육에 큰 도움을 주고 있다.
• 지구상에서 소아마비를 퇴치하기 위한 로타리의 최우선 인도주의 프로젝트를 지속적으로 지원하고 있다. 로타리는 소아마비 퇴치를 위해 1985년 이래 1조 4,000억 원(미화 15억 달러)을 기부한 외에도 수많은 회원들이 면역활동 현장에 자원봉사자로 봉사해 왔다. 한국 로타리클럽들은 미화 1억 4,600만 원(미화 약1,460만 달러) 이상을 기부하였다.

로타리 소개
로타리는 가장 심각한 인류의 당면 문제 해결을 위해 노력하는 자원봉사자들의 글로벌 네트워크로서, 전세계 200개 이상의 국가와 자치령에 소재한 3만 5,000여 개의 로타리클럽에 소속된 120만 회원들이 활동 중입니다. 이들은 자신들이 소속된 지역사회의 소외된 가정 돕기에서부터 소아마비없는 세상 만들기에 이르기까지, 로컬 및 글로벌 지역사회의 삶을 개선하기 위해 활동하고 있습니다. 이러한 활동에 대한 동영상이나 사진을 The Newsmarket에서 보실 수 있습니다.

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