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measles

The LCIF Measles Initiative - ‘One Shot One Life' is continuing and I would like to reiterate a little information about the Measles Initiative. You will probably be aware that Lions Clubs around the world raised US$10 million and this was increased by US$5 million by The Gates Foundation, giving a total of US$15 million (approximately £10 million) as at the end of the last Lionistic year for the fight against measles and rubella (German measles). Lions Clubs International, through our own charity Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), has set a new objective for the Measles and Rubella Initiative. This is to partner with an organisation by the name of GAVI Alliance (a public-private partnership whose mission is to save children's lives and protect people's health by increasing access to immunization in the world's poorest countries).

The Gates Foundation and the UK Government (through the Department for International Development) have each agreed to provide 50% of the amount donated by Lions Clubs worldwide. The aim is that by the International Convention 2017 (our 100 years anniversary) Lions will have raised £20 million, which will reach £40 million when matched as above. Lions Clubs and GAVI will work with ministries of health in developing countries to ensure children are vaccinated against measles and rubella. Lions will also play a key role in social mobilization efforts by working with local leaders, coordinating community-level publicity and serving as volunteers at vaccination centres.

Measles is a highly contagious virus spread by coughing and sneezing andkills about 160,000 people annually (440 persons every day), mostly children under the age of five. GAVI provides the measles vaccine in one shot with the vaccine against rubella.

If your Club has not done so already this year, I do hope your Club is able to make a special donation to assist the Lions Measles Initiative. Any cheques should be made payable to LCI District 105D and endorsed on the back ‘LCIF Lions Measles Initiative'. All donations for the Lions Measles Initiative are eligible to count towards Melvin Jones Fellowships.

PDG Lion Patrick Hamblin, District 105D LCIF Coordinator.

May 2014.