Jim Golson addressed his fellow Rotarians on the subject of his recent trip to Ghana as part of Rotary International's fight to eradicate Polio worldwide. President-elect Golson explained the goal of the drive to not only inoculate the children of Ghana (ages 9 months to 5 years) against polio, but also nurses gave measles vaccinations, as well as Vitamin A booster (to help prevent blindness). Rotarian volunteers from all over the world also distributed treated bed netting to the children to help keep the children safe at night from malaria spreading mosquitoes.

As Americans we are all familiar with measles, but in less developed country like Ghana, untreated measles can lead to swelling of the brain and even death. Golson was happy to report that since the drive to immunize the children of Ghana began in 1995 the reported cases of measles has dropped from more than 45,000 a year to almost none last year. Rotary International volunteers have helped make this goal a reality. In fact, more than 28,000 volunteers were a part of this Polio Plus drive in Ghana. Amazingly the cost of this, due in large part to these volunteers, was only 86 cents per child.

 
Golson (left) is pictured with Club President Bill Hutto (left).