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Kudos to Rotary, Gates efforts

The Jan. 13 article “India goes a full year without polio cases” in The Spokesman-Review omitted the fact that this milestone was accomplished predominantly by millions of private dollars over more than 25 years. The World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control were partners, but most of the success should be credited to Rotary International and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The 64 Rotary Club in Rotary District 5080 was among the 26,000 Rotary International clubs worldwide that have worked hard and long since 1985 to eradicate polio. We are extremely proud of our efforts and the success that has resulted.

But, as the article mentioned, more work needs to be done in just a few remaining countries. Polio Plus will remain active until the job is done. We have an honored partner in the Gates Foundation, and it deserves proper credit along with Rotary International for this successful effort.

Sidney Smith

Coeur d’Alene

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