Rotarians take their anti-polio campaign to Maidenhill School (From Stroud News and Journal)

Rotarians take their anti-polio campaign to Maidenhill School

3:01pm Monday 1st March 2010

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POLIO and its devastating affects on third world countries was discussed in a series of special assembles at Maidenhill School in Stonehouse last week.

Organised by Stonehouse Rotary Club, the talks were conducted by Frampton on Severn GP and rotarian Dr Charles Buckley as part of the charity’s international End Polio Now campaign.

Dr Buckley highlighted what measures Rotary are taking to eradicate polio in countries such Nigeria and Pakistan in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

He also discussed how medical breakthroughs made in Gloucestershire have helped in the fight against the disease, including the work of pioneering Berkeley doctor Edward Jenner.

On Friday, February 26, pupils held a non-school uniform day to raise funds for the campaign and Dr Buckley returned to paint their little fingers purple, which is the technique used in third world countries to identify children who have been vaccinated.

"The students were really great and some of them seemed very moved by the subject," said Dr Buckley.

"We showed them a DVD shot in India which highlighted the problems and issues faced by children affected by polio and I think that brought the message home for them because they are just children themselves."

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