Woodland City Council Declares Oct. 24 World Polio Day Urgently

UPDATE: The Woodland City Council has just declared October 24 as World Polio Day, emphasizing the urgent need for global awareness and action against polio. In a proclamation passed earlier this week, council members recognized the invaluable contributions of the Woodland Rotary Club and its affiliates in the fight against this debilitating disease.

The proclamation, delivered by council member Tania Garcia-Cadena, highlights the Rotary’s significant role since the launch of PolioPlus in 1985 and its leadership in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. This initiative collaborates with major organizations including the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to achieve a world free from polio.

Since 1988, polio cases have plummeted by over 99.9%, and the world stands on the brink of eradicating this disease entirely. The proclamation stresses that this effort is crucial to eliminate the threat of polio-caused paralysis for children globally.

The Rotary Clubs of Woodland—comprising the Rotary Club of Woodland Luna Vista and the Rotary Club of Woodland Sunrise—have been lauded for their ongoing commitment, providing operational support, medical personnel, laboratory equipment, and educational resources to health workers and families.

Former Woodland mayor Xóchitl Rodriguez expressed gratitude during the proclamation, stating, “Thank you, members of the City Council. As president-elect of Luna Vista Rotary, my colleagues and I are proud to champion the PolioPlus campaign.” Rodriguez emphasized the dire impact of polio in impoverished regions, where the disease can claim up to 200,000 lives annually if untreated, according to the World Health Organization.

This declaration comes at a critical time as health officials ramp up efforts to immunize all children and eliminate polio’s threats permanently. The Woodland community is urged to support ongoing initiatives, as every action counts in the fight against this preventable disease.

As World Polio Day approaches, the urgency for collective action becomes even clearer. Residents and supporters are encouraged to join hands with the Rotary Clubs in promoting awareness and fundraising to ensure that no child suffers from polio ever again.

Stay tuned for updates on local events and initiatives leading up to October 24. Together, we can make a difference!