Visiting an African Village

Polio Plus, takes on a whole new exciting meaning, as one stands in an African village, 'frying' in the heat and placing 2 drops of vaccine on a quivering tongue!

Last November, I headed to Cotonou, Benin, in West Africa, via Paris. 38 Rotarians, representing 32 clubs, from 21 districts, took part in the event. Local Rotarians and health workers, worked with us, to give vaccine to 3,313 children, under 5. Some of us headed out to distant villages, on motor bikes. Chalk strokes on the clay hut walls, recorded our visit. A black magic marker, was used to paint the nail of the baby finger on their left hand, before we moved on to the next infant.

Another important proceeding, was our attendance at the 5th Annual Project Fair with representatives from five different West African nations � Benin , Togo , Nigeria , Ghana and Cote d�Ivoire , representing 48 different Rotary clubs. We estimate that there were 240 different projects offered, worth an estimated value of more than $2.5 million. Information, will be made available at our district conference, if your club wishes to 'team up' with an African club.

The last highlight, was a visit to a Mercy Ship. Over 40 doctors, complete 7,000 surgeries a year. Also, we learned about their programs on land, with health, education, water and agriculture.