We all have heard about Rotary’s efforts to rid the world of polio, but Rotary is involved in many more initiatives. Your club may be involved in an international project that supports one of these efforts. Money donated to The Rotary Foundation funds many projects tied to these efforts. I know when I see an article in the Rotarian magazine about a project that is supported by a grant from the foundation, I smile and think I helped with that project.
In a flyer that Rotary has regarding our seven areas of focus, they write the following.
PREVENTING DISEASE Noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dementia and cancer, accounted for seven of the world’s top 10 causes of death in 2019, according to the World Health Organization. Each year, more than 15 million people aged 30 to 69 die prematurely as a result of non-communicable diseases, with 85% of those premature deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Despite a global decline in the percentage of deaths due to communicable diseases, they remain a challenge, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. Although the world is on the brink of eradicating polio, communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria are still leading causes of death in these countries with reports of decreasing or plateauing progress.
HEALTH CARE SERVICES Less than half of the global population has access to essential health services, according to the United Nations. Major disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and high-conflict situations could reverse decades of improvement in preventing both communicable and non-communicable diseases by decreasing access to healthcare professionals, facilities, and other services. More than 40% of all countries have fewer than 10 medical doctors per 10,000 people, and more than 55% have fewer than 40 nurses and midwives per 10,000 people. An additional 18 million health workers are needed, primarily in developing countries.
There are Rotary Action Groups dedicated to helping with the efforts of Preventing Disease and Health Care Services. Action groups are Rotarians and others joining to focus on a specific cause. Rotarians can join an Action Group if a specific cause is important to them. Here is a list of Rotary Action Groups focused on fighting diseases. If you click on the link, it will take you to more information on the action group you are interested in.
Addiction Prevention
Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Blindness Prevention
Blood and Organ Donation
Diabetes
Family Health/AIDS Prevention
Health Education and Wellness
Hearing
Hepatitis Eradication
Malaria
Mental Health Initiatives
Multiple Sclerosis
If you would like more information regarding action groups, you can go to the Rotary website.
In closing, during the month of December and even into early January, we seem to get very busy with the holidays, family, work, friends and other activities. I would encourage us all to remember to take a moment to focus on our health. Take precautions to avoid getting run down and sick. Take care of our mental health as we are approaching one of the most stressful times of the year. Check in with fellow Rotarians to ensure they are taking care of themselves. We want all of us to be happy and healthy as we start 2025.
