Potsdam walks to end Polio – WWNY

Report on Community Initiative for Global Health Advancement

Event Overview

On Saturday, a community walk was held in Potsdam, New York, organized by a coalition of Rotary club members from across the north country region. The primary objective of the event was to support Rotary International’s global mission to eradicate poliomyelitis (polio), a communicable disease targeted for elimination under international health frameworks.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The initiative directly supports several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating a local commitment to a global agenda.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The walk’s central mission to eradicate polio is a direct contribution to Target 3.3, which aims to end the epidemics of communicable diseases by 2030. By raising funds and awareness for vaccination programs, the event supports the foundational public health measures necessary to ensure healthy lives for all, particularly children.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: This event serves as a model for SDG 17, showcasing a multi-stakeholder partnership. It represents a collaboration between a global non-governmental organization (Rotary International), its local chapters, and community members to mobilize resources and advocate for a critical global health goal.

Organizational Commitment to Global Health

The event underscores the long-term dedication of the organizing body to achieving global health targets. According to Rotary Area Governor Michael Griffin, the Rotary organization has been a leading partner in the global fight against polio for more than 35 years. This sustained effort is a testament to the organization’s commitment to achieving the targets outlined in SDG 3 and fostering a healthier, more secure world free from preventable diseases.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • The article’s central focus is on a community walk with a “mission to help eradicate polio.” Polio is a disease, and efforts to eradicate it directly contribute to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • The article highlights a collaborative effort where “Rotary club members from across the north country joined forces.” This action by a civil society organization (Rotary Club) to support a global mission demonstrates a partnership aimed at achieving a common goal, which is the essence of SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.3

   • Under SDG 3, the most relevant target is Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases. The article’s mention of a “global mission to eradicate polio” directly aligns with this target, as polio is a communicable disease.

2. Target 17.17

   • Under SDG 17, the relevant target is Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. The event described, where Rotary Club members (a civil society organization) organize a community walk, is a clear example of a civil society partnership in action to achieve a global health objective.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator for Target 3.3

   • The article does not provide specific data, but the mission to “eradicate polio” implies a direct focus on the incidence of polio. Progress towards eradication is measured by the reduction in the number of new polio cases, with the ultimate goal of reaching zero. Therefore, the incidence rate of polio is the implied indicator.

2. Indicator for Target 17.17

   • The article mentions a specific partnership activity: a “community walk.” This event itself can be used as an implied indicator. Progress can be measured by the number of community engagement events or initiatives organized by civil society partnerships to support global goals. The walk hosted by the Rotary clubs is one such event.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: wwnytv.com