Rotary celebrates Maternal and Child Health Month. It is an opportunity to reflect on the current status of maternal and child health around the globe, how Rotary members contribute to addressing issues at the community level, and further take the steps to analyze our collective impacts on health systems.

According to the WHO, poor women in remote areas are the least likely to receive adequate health care. This trend holds true in both developed and developing countries. Low numbers of skilled healthcare professionals in these regions are major contributing factors to limited access to care. Human resources for healthcare remain a challenge, worsening since the COVID-19 pandemic. The data suggest that 99% of births are attended by a trained midwife, doctor, or nurse in most high-income and upper-middle-income countries. This figure drops to 78% in lower-middle-income countries and even further down to 68% in low-income countries where almost 95% of all maternal deaths occur.

Many Rotary members have been developing projects that support local health authorities in increasing the capacity of existing healthcare workers, task shifting by upskilling midwives, training and equipping community health workers and integrating traditional birth attendants, where possible, and providing graduate-level scholarships to support vocations in health care.

World Immunization Week is fast approaching on 24-30 April. This is a critical time to raise awareness about the importance of immunization and the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.

Why do we believe so strongly in this? Rotary made a promise to the children of the world with the launch of the PolioPlus program in 1985 that we would eradicate polio from the world. Thanks to vaccines and the incredible support of Rotary members like you, polio cases have been reduced by 99.9%.

But we aren’t done yet.

As we continue our work to eradicate polio worldwide, we need to remain vigilant so that we don’t lose the progress we’ve made. No child should suffer from diseases like polio that a vaccine can prevent. Polio eradication is Rotary’s top humanitarian project, and we need your help to educate your communities about the benefits of vaccination and tell the story of Rotary’s efforts.

As of early 2026, Oregon kindergartners' full vaccination coverage is approximately 86%, with non-medical exemptions hitting a record high of 9.7%. Vaccination rates have declined for three consecutive years, with nearly 43% of schools falling below the 92% coverage target. Vaccination rates vary across the state, with some areas having lower rates.

One of the most dangerous issues at this time is misinformation and hesitancy to vaccinate. Rotarians have a vital role to play in getting accurate information out to our club members, friends, and families.

Please check out the excellent Rotary materials below and attached and encourage your clubs and contacts to get the word out. At DisCon this year we have a keynote speaker who will talk about the importance of vaccinations.

• Visit the Brand Center to access all our End Polio Now materials, including social media graphics, videos, letter-to-the-editor templates, and more!
• Have a club meeting focused on talking with members about Rotary’s polio eradication efforts.
• Host an event to raise awareness of and funds for PolioPlus.
• Start an online fundraiser using Raise for Rotary and share it with your network.

Thank you for your continuing dedication to ENDING POLIO and ensuring children are safe from preventable diseases!

Jane Falls
District 5110 Polio Plus Chair https://www.endpolio.org/
Rotary Club of Springfield, Member, President 2018-19

District 5110 Assistant Governor 2021-24
541-517-3412
jafalls@comcast.net