Polio Plus - The Beginning

Posted by Carol Langley, Foundation Director

*In April 1979, RI President Clem Renouf read an article about the World Health Organization. It said that for the first time in history, the WHO had succeeded in eliminating a disease – smallpox. The cost was about $100 million. When Renouf returned to his office, he telephoned his good friend and Rotarian, Dr. John Sever. Sever was a microbiologist who dedicated most of his life to vaccine research. Renouf asked him if there were any diseases Rotary might be able to help eradicate. Dr. Sever did not hesitate in recommending poliomyelitis.

*In the 1940’s and 1950’s, polio was the most feared disease in much of the developed world. It was very contagious, and one out of 10 people who contact polio died. Two to three polio victims were paralyzed for life.

*In 1954, Dr. Albert Sabin, an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Cincinnati, produced the first oral polio vaccination to prevent the disease. He believed that with the use of his vaccine, it was indeed possible to eradicate polio.

*In 1979, the RI Board adopted the recommendation to eradicate polio and relieve its consequences throughout the world.