Addis Ababa, October 21, 2007 (Addis Ababa) - The renowned artist Beyoncé Knowles gave oral anti-polio immunization for 10 children under the age of five right before her concert at Bole Millennium Hall here in the capital on Saturday.Beyonce’ inoculated the children at the invitation of the Rotary International, an international humanitarian organization, that supports Ethiopia’s anti polio immunization campaign being carried out from 18-21 Oct. 2007.
Speaking on the occasion, the 26-year old artist said “I want to encourage all … parents to give this vaccination to their children. It really benefits their health.”
Ezera Teshome, a Rotarian residing in the US, said on the occasion " we are confident that Ethiopia would be free from polio in the near future.”
Ezera said Beyonce is very happy to take part in the campaign.
The current campaign envisages to reach 15 million children under five years of age.
Rotary is willing to work with the Ministry of health and WHO through the provision of necessary financial assistance for the activities to be carried out in the days to come.
More than 70 volunteers from the US and Canada are here for the same cause through the organization.
Ezra said the volunteers were able to see the situation of the livelihoods of inhabitants and are willing to contribute their share in improving their living situation especially in clean water and health provisions.
Rotary has so far mobilized 620 million US dollars for eradication of polio worldwide, the 7.7 million USD was channeled to Ethiopia for the same cause.
Rotary International likes to enroll Beyonce in its humanitarian activities.
R-1:00-1:45 PM
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