Rotarians participate in polio vaccination campaign in Adama

Adama, Ethiopia – Rotarians from Canada and the US made their way to Adama on Friday November 7, to take part in a polio vaccination campaign.

The 35 Rotarians led by Past District Governor Ezra Teshome participated in the campaign that was organized by the Adama Town Health Bureau and was held at the Kidane Meheret Kindergarten and Elementary School.

The event was attended by Dr. Kebede Worku, State Minister of Health, Tesfaye Gelan, Family Health Team Coordinator at Adama Town Health Bureau and Deriba Degefa, Head of the Adama Town Health Bureau.

During their week-long stay that ended today Sunday November 9, the Rotarians had the opportunity to visit different projects such as Cheshire Services, an independent non-profit  organization that provides orthopedic and social rehabilitation services for children and young people with disabilities, as well as the acclaimed Hamlin Fistula Hospital.

“My father was a victim of polio and the mission of Rotary International became very personal to me. I became very committed to the cause of Rotary and the amazing work that we can do,” Carol Tichelman, Rotarian from Canada said. She stated that the mission of Rotary International became very meaningful to her as her father was a victim of polio.

“This trip has been amazing, it has been wonderful because you get connected every year with some of the team members that come every year and of course you make new friends as well from all over the world that take part in these missions,” she added.

Another Rotarian who was part of this trip was Dave Weaver. He is from the US and said that this was his 22nd trip to Ethiopia.

“Things are getting better with each trip; it is amazing to look at the infrastructure progress in the country. I think we are also doing a better job in some of our projects, especially the water wells. We are coordinating better not only within Rotary but also with other international organizations,” he said. He also stated that each trip, especially this year’s, is exciting as there was no doubt that there will be success in eradicating polio.

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