Tell us Your Story

Here is where we share the stores of those who have participated in an NID or had other polio experiences that deeply affected them.  If you have a story to share, please send it to the Webmaster at in2dtp@empnet.com

John Waring - Rotary District 1040
Email:  John-rotary@waring.me.uk
Posted 8/28/09

February 2009 NID in Lucknow, India

I was fortunate to be able to join District Governor John Philip and his Wife Chris together with some 32 other Rotarians, Partners and friends to the NID in Lucknow, India in February 2009.

I went as a skeptic as I felt that the challenge was too great in the four countries involved.  My experience changed my thoughts, not only about PolioPlus but also about Rotary and it fulfilled a lifelong wish to visit India. I travelled with my son (not a Rotarian) who likewise seized the opportunity.

John and Chris were excellent organizers and had arranged a fantastic itinerary covering Delhi, Lucknow, Agra and Jaipur. Yes in 11 days we visited all these and still participated on February 1-2 in the NID in and around Lucknow.

It was an uplifting experience even if frustrating at times to be involved in much publicity seeking concerns by the Rotary Clubs of Lucknow and the Health department and not to be administering the vaccine.  I attended a booth at the Islamic Centre and then visited a rural community to see the procedures on the mop up day.  We were featured in many newspapers and on television and the feedback was of great encouragement to the exercise and the health workers especially.

Encouraged by my son I ate at food stalls and visited markets by ourselves and walked the streets as well with absolutely no fear.  The locals were all so friendly and happy to see us.  The sites we visited were awe inspiring and will stay with me for ever!

I returned a convert.  India will manage to rid itself of polio without doubt.  There is much enthusiasm out there for the project and I feel sure that there will be a spinoff as the infrastructure developed will allow for action on other diseases that we in the west never see (or seldom). I also returned with more enthusiasm for Rotary in general and a wish to see my club survive and flourish.

I thoroughly recommend participating in an NID and if anyone gets the opportunity to go on one, seize it and go.