December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month.  This is one of The Rotary Foundation’s areas of focus and we should be aware of the numerous projects around the world supported by clubs and the Foundation.

We believe good health care is everyone’s right.  Yet 400 million people in the world cannot afford or do not have access to basic health care.  Disease results in misery, pain, and poverty for millions of people worldwide.  That’s why treating and preventing disease is so important to us.  We lead efforts both large and small.  We set up temporary clinics, blood donation centres, and training facilities in under-served communities struggling with outbreaks and healthcare access.  We design and build infrastructure that allows doctors, patients, and governments to work together.

Look at your role in promoting improved health at home and abroad and supporting these vital programs that contribute not only to healthy communities but also peaceful communities.

Our members combat diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and polio.  Rotary’s top priority is the eradication of polio, but our members take on far greater responsibilities to fight disease.  They set up health camps and training facilities in undeveloped countries and in communities struggling with HIV/AIDS and malaria.  They also design and build the infrastructure for doctors, nurses, governments, and partners to reach the one in six people in the world who can’t afford to pay for healthcare.

Disease prevention and treatment take on many forms, from supporting studies to helping immunize people to improving drinking water and sanitation infrastructure.   The world relies on Rotary to tackle these global challenges, and to set an example for others to follow.

Prevention is important, which is why we also focus on health education and bringing people routine hearing, vision, and dental care.  We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases.  Rotary members have hundreds of health projects underway around the world at any given time.