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Art campaign against polio: Pixels for a better future

The digital picture: A joint project

Being part of something bigger with a small contribution: This is the principle behind a World Polio Day fundraising campaign in which donors not only contribute money for polio vaccination but also a some creativity.

What is it about?

On October 24, Rotary International and its partners celebrate World Polio Day. On the one hand, we want to spread the message that we can end polio worldwide. On the other hand, the “End Polio Now” campaign aims to raise funds to defeat this cruel disease for good. This is only possible if as many people as possible act together. The same is true for the work of art that we want to create together with your support this fall/winter.


How does it work?

On October 24, a website will go online on which a joint work of art is to be created within six months. The picture will consist of 2.3 million pixels. Buy one or more pixels and help to ensure that no child has to suffer from this preventable, incurable disease! You are free to choose the color, the number of pixels and the “brush thickness” of your creative contribution to the work of art that will be auctioned afterwards. One pixel costs one euro. This is roughly the amount needed to finance the vaccine doses for a small child in a high-risk area, including the information campaigns to educate parents about the virus and the vital vaccination.

How can I join?

Sign up here to join in on October 24 when the campaign starts and receive updates on its progress later. All participants will then be able to follow in real time how the joint work is being created.

We will make the “painting” and payment process user-friendly that people who are not digital natives can also take part. We – the Rotary Club Berlin Tiergarten – would also be delighted if you would spread the word about our campaign in your club and your private network.

What do I need to consider?

There are no limits to your creativity in designing your part of our joint picture, with one exception: political messages and symbols should not become part of the painting, as this is a humanitarian action.

Where does humanity stand in the fight against polio?

Since the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was launched in 1988, the number of polio cases worldwide has fallen by over 99%. Nevertheless, the complete eradication of the viral disease remains difficult, as the virus is still endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the Gaza Strip, a polio outbreak was recently reported – the first in the region for 25 years. As a result, a large-scale vaccination campaign was launched in the Palestinian territory, despite the challenges posed by the war and the partially destroyed infrastructure.

What role do Rotarians play?

Rotary International plays a crucial role in the fight against polio. The organization is a leading partner of the GPEI and has been instrumental in vaccinating over 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. True to our identity as “People of Action”, Rotary has not only provided funding, but also established a global network for polio surveillance and control. This network also helps in the detection of other diseases.

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