Page 7 - Rotary DIN Feb 16
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Roger Byrom said: “I first Rotary condemns Taliban attack
heard about the crocus
campaign back in 2012 and Rotary members and
thought what a great their partners in the
fundraising idea it was and all fight against polio
the funds raised by the have offered their
Braunton people have proved condolences in the
how successful it is. When we wake of the attack on
heard about the trip to India to Quetta, Pakistan, on
immunise the children, we 13 January 2016.
knew that this would be a trip
of a lifetime and chance to see Quetta Pakistan
first-hand how the donated
money is spent. Each child’s A total of 15 security personnel outside the polio immunisation
vaccine costs only 20p; so centre lost their lives in the suicide bombing. A banned Pakistan
every £1 donated keeps five Taliban group claimed responsibility for the attack. The Taliban and
children free from polio.” some clerics have opposed the vaccinations, accusing workers of
being American spies and claiming they are part of a Western plot to
Braunton residents have reduce Muslim fertility rates. Another Taliban group connected with
helped raise £650 via crocus the so-called Islamic State, also claimed responsibility for the attack.
sales. As the boxes of crocuses
were sponsored by local A spokesman for Rotary said: “We applaud the government’s
business, all the money raised commitment to continue the vaccination campaign throughout
has gone to the campaign. Pakistan, one of only two countries where the polio virus is still
endemic.
“Even as we absorb the horror of this bombing, we are redoubling
our efforts to educate families and build confidence in the safety of
polio vaccines.
“Vast improvements have been seen in Pakistan, with more than 80
per cent fewer cases in the country than in 2014. And today, our
release of $35m in grants for polio eradication signals our
determination to finish the job.”
