HORNSBY
ROTARY AGAINST MALARIA -
YOUR FOREIGN COINS CAN CHANGE LIVES
Rotary Internationals' campaign to eradicate Polio by the year 2005 is edging closer to its goal. With this goal now in sight, it is now starting a new worldwide programme to research and hopefully eradicate Malaria.
Did you know that Malaria is the worlds' most destructive tropical disease? There are over 100 million reported clinical cases, annually, with more than 2 million people dieing from Malaria every year. Young children and pregnant women are at greatest risk. Australia is one of 40 countries in which Malaria can occur, transmitted by mosquito.
The Rotary Club of Hornsby in Rotary District 9680, and with the kind assistance of Thomas Cook Travel and American Express Travel, has placed collection boxes in all their Travel Centres that handle Foreign Exchange, Australia wide. Coins and notes donated in these boxes are regularly collected by our Club members.
We have members in our Club and the Rotary District who travel overseas regularly on business and who can exchange these coins for currency that is convertible and we contribute these funds for the fight against Malaria.
Over $150,000 has been raised in the past 6 years. Many Rotary Clubs around Australia will assist the Rotary Club of Hornsby will be participating to raise funds.
Education: To make people aware of the dangers of Malaria and to teach them how to protect themselves.
Bed Nets: To help in the supply and distribution of insecticide impregnated bed nets to the peoples in the South West Pacific and to travellers.
Microscopes: To supply microscopes and newly developed 'Dip Sticks' for early diagnosis and accurate treatment.
Research: To help fund research into new drugs and vaccines through the Army Malaria Research Unit, The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of New South Wales and The Queensland Institute of Medical Research.