Page 24 - Mainstreamer e-Magazine Volume 5, April 2024
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FAR AND BEYOND: A BLESSING IN DISGUISE
a co-mediator at the Liliane Foundation Philippines, improvement. Advocating for the eradication of
followed by a position as a designate officer at polio was a top priority during her leadership. Her
the Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office efforts and dedication did not go unnoticed, as
(PDAO) in Antique. In 2017, she became officer she was honoured with a Transforming Leadership
designate at San Jose de Buenavista’s PDAO. Her Award for her impactful contributions.
dedication has brought significant improvements
in the mobility and inclusion of PWDs within her Strengthened community mobilization efforts.
community, earning her recognition and awards. Polio eradication initiatives have been pivotal in
Amie’s journey highlights the profound impact slowing the spread of the poliovirus by increasing
of individual resilience and activism in the face of vaccine coverage and implementing interventions
physical and societal challenges, illustrating how such as improved disease monitoring. While these
personal experiences can drive significant societal efforts have successfully expanded polio vaccine
change. coverage globally, the programmes are deliver non-
“ in communities with low disease prevalence.
polio vaccines and other health services, especially
Worldwide, supplementary immunisation
activities target polio through mass vaccination
The Philippine government employs
a multifaceted strategy to combat
the aim of immunising all children within a specific
polio, including vaccination campaigns or national immunisation days, with
age group, regardless of their prior immunisation
campaigns, enhanced surveillance status. Community mobilisation attempts to boost
to detect early cases, and public polio vaccine uptake have improved immunisation
education initiatives to raise programmes in various regions.
The partnership with Rotary Clubs globally is
awareness about the disease an excellent example of successful collaboration.
and the critical importance of For over 35 years, Rotary has been committed
vaccination. Collaborations with to eradicate polio and has achieved substantial
international organisations such progress. As a founding partner of the Global
Polio Eradication Initiative, Rotary has contributed
as the World Health Organization over $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours,
(WHO) and UNICEF are integral for protecting nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries
coordinating efforts and securing from polio. Rotary’s advocacy has also influenced
governments to contribute more than $10 billion
necessary resources.” to the cause. Polio is currently endemic only in
Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, it is crucial
to maintain eradication efforts to prevent a
Getting Involved in Rotary / Rotaract Club resurgence of polio in other countries. If these
She joined various organisations, including the efforts be discontinued, polio could disable up to
Rotary Club of Antique, to enrich her life and 200,000 children annually within a decade.
contribute meaningfully to her community.
She was elected President of the Rotaract How the government of the Philippines combats polio.
Club, enabling her to significantly impact her
surroundings. The Philippine government employs a multifaceted
strategy to combat polio, including vaccination
Throughout her term as President, she campaigns, enhanced surveillance to detect early
dedicated herself fully, proving to be a capable, cases, and public education initiatives to raise
devoted, and productive leader. During her one- awareness about the disease and the critical
year tenure, she actively participated in and importance of vaccination. Collaborations with
initiated various activities, particularly those international organisations such as the World
focused on environmental and community
23 April 2024 | Vol. 5
