Key Takeaways
- Nearly 300 cyclists and community members participated in the 'Let’s Ride Out Polio' rally.
- The event aimed to highlight Rotary’s commitment to polio eradication and community involvement.
- Distinguished guests, including government officials and Rotarians, attended the rally.
Rotary International District 3271 organised a significant bicycle rally, 'Let’s Ride Out Polio,' to demonstrate public support for a polio-free Pakistan. The event, which saw nearly 300 cyclists and community members participate, was held in Karachi.
Participants gathered at PIDC and rode towards Port Grand, showcasing the unity and commitment required to end polio in the country. The rally underscored Rotary’s long-standing dedication to polio eradication and its ongoing collaboration with government and international health organisations.
The event was attended by key figures, including Iqbal Memon, Additional Chief Secretary; Aziz Memon, National PolioPlus Committee Chair; Dr. Jorge G. Caravotta, UNICEF Team Lead; and Javed Nabi Khoso, Deputy Commissioner South. These guests reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating polio, stressing the importance of continuous collaboration between government bodies, Rotary International, global partners, and local communities.
Shahzad Sabir, Rotary District Governor, and PDG Dr. Farhan Essa, among others, were present. The gathering also recognised the contributions of event partners PSO and SCG, as well as the Health Department Government of Sindh, EOC Sindh, and the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme. Special appreciation was extended to the event organizing committee, Rotary team members, support staff, volunteers, and participating cycling group administrators.
The rally concluded with a brief awareness session honouring polio frontline workers, followed by a fellowship and complimentary breakfast. This event celebrated both the successful rally and the renewed pledge towards protecting Pakistan’s children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The event sent a powerful message of hope and solidarity, highlighting the critical role of community involvement in achieving the goal of a polio-free Pakistan. Every child deserves a future protected from paralysing, vaccine-preventable diseases, and Rotary alongside its partners remains steadfast until the goal is achieved.
