Page 8 - 2022年5月號

TRUSTEE CHAIR’S MESSAGE
We can build a better future

As an engineer, I have worked my entire life for will help local health centers reach more people
success that can be measured. I believe in the kind who are vulnerable to malaria, such as mothers and
of success you can reach out and touch. And I also children. PMFZ is also collecting and analyzing
know that it doesn't come overnight, it happens one data to ensure medical supplies get to where they
step at a time. are needed most. This work, along with the close
At The Rotary Foundation, we don't settle for collaboration between implementing partners and
a vague idea of doing good; we take measurable Rotary and Rotaract clubs across Zambia, has
steps, ones that are concrete and real, toward a comprised the first bold steps toward our goal.
defined goal. It's progress that you can see and tell PolioPlus is another example of a global
your family and friends about, each step of the way. project that has been engineered for impact. The
Measurable success is what our new Programs fact that we have reduced polio cases by 99.9
of Scale grants are all about. The first member-led percent worldwide is a testament to your generous
program to receive this annual $2 million grant, contributions, our strong partnerships through
Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia (PMFZ), the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and a vast
seeks to reduce malaria by 90 percent in 10 highly network of volunteers who administer drops to
affected districts within two provinces of Zambia. children around the world.
It's an ambitious but achievable goal, based on And we won't stop now. Rotary spearheaded
a community health worker model that has been the drive to end polio, and Rotary will complete
successful in reducing malaria in other parts of it. Encourage your district leaders to designate
Zambia, as implemented by Rotary members and leftover District Designated Funds (DDF) for polio
our partners on the ground. eradication, so we can finish the job.
To help end malaria in Zambia, The Rotary As an engineer, I have been proud to see my
Foundation, World Vision U.S., and the Bill & blueprints transformed into great structures and
Melinda Gates Foundation are each contributing facilities. But perhaps I am even prouder of how
$2 million to PMFZ, whose Rotary-led program together in Rotary we have engineered a better
already has begun to expand life-saving malaria world Ñ measurably, step by step, project by project.
diagnosis and treatment to hundreds more rural In Rotary, we can all be engineers of hope, building
communities. So far this Rotary year, PMFZ has a better future for the next generation.
trained, equipped, and deployed more than 1,300 JOHN F. GERM
of the 2,500 new community health workers who
Foundation trustee chair
Illustration by Viktor Miller Gausa

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