Rotary Club of St. Catharines South and other clubs join forces to tackle two of Pakistan's most daunting challenges: malnutrition and polio. In an inspiring evening hosted in St. Catharines, Rotary Polio Plus Chair Aziz Memon shed light on the critical role of nutrition in eradicating polio, revealing how malnutrition undermines immunity and fuels the disease’s persistence. Learn how this partnership is saving thousands of lives and inching closer to a polio-free future for Pakistan, proving that when communities come together, remarkable transformations are within reach.
Rotary’s Fight Against Malnutrition: A Catalyst for Ending Polio in Pakistan
October brings the global spotlight on polio eradication, and this year, Rotary PolioPlus Chair Aziz Memon’s visit from Pakistan to North America came at a pivotal moment. Thanks to a fortunate coincidence and a busy but well-coordinated schedule, the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South International Committee was able to host Memon for an impactful evening at Loft 123 on Queenston Street.
It is a matter of pride for District 7090 that Aziz Memon attended the evening, hosted by Najeeb Syed, Chair of the International Service Committee, and his dedicated team. The event drew notable guests, including District Governor (DG) 7090 Dave Alexander, Foundation Chair Lisa Bishop, DG 7080 Sohail Naseer, and numerous Rotarians from Districts 7090 and 7080. Around 90 people attended, with strong representation from Pakistani, Syrian, Bosnian, and Afghan diaspora communities.
The evening’s focus was on the twin challenges of malnutrition and polio in Pakistan. It showcased the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South’s critical role in tackling these issues. The event was also a heartfelt thank-you to the generous donors who helped raise over $1 million for the nutrition program. These funds have saved 54,000 children under five from starvation and provided vital care to 9,500 pregnant and lactating mothers battling anemia, setting the stage for healthier future generations.
Following this event, Aziz Memon traveled to New York for a significant meeting with Dr. Victor Aguayo, UNICEF’s Director of Nutrition and Child Development. The discussions between Memon and Dr. Aguayo proved to be pivotal. Dr. Aguayo carefully reviewed the Rotary-TMSG proposal and was enthusiastic about its potential, recognizing that malnutrition in Pakistan cannot be solved by government efforts alone. He stressed that a strategic partnership between TMSG and Rotary could be instrumental in scaling up the response.
During the meeting, Dr. Aguayo shared a shocking revelation: despite full immunization, eight recent polio cases in Pakistan were directly linked to malnutrition. This mirrors the situation in Uttar Pradesh, India, where malnutrition severely hindered polio eradication efforts until UNICEF intervened with a robust nutrition strategy. Both Memon and Aguayo agreed that unless malnutrition is addressed, Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts will remain hampered.
Aziz Memon summarized the issue powerfully: “Malnutrition is the mother of all problems—be it polio, stunted growth, wasting, weakened immunity, premature death, cognitive challenges, schooling issues, and much more.” This statement captures the profound, widespread impact of malnutrition, far beyond just the issue of polio.
The St. Catharines event also honored those who made significant contributions to the cause. Donors who gave $10,000 or more were recognized for their generosity, while Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded to individuals contributing $50,000 or more, acknowledging their deep commitment. TMSG Hero Awards were also presented to Rotary Club members who worked tirelessly alongside ISC Chair Najeeb Syed, promoting the project, securing global grants, and raising funds.
This ongoing initiative marks a new chapter in the fight against malnutrition and polio in Pakistan. By addressing malnutrition head-on, the Rotary-TMSG partnership is creating the foundation for long-lasting health improvements. The dream of a polio-free Pakistan is more attainable than ever, but it depends on overcoming malnutrition—because without addressing this root cause, lasting change cannot be achieved.
- Najeeb Syed