The Lions Blog

In recognition of Lions Clubs International’s global efforts to reduce measles and rubella deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) invited Lions in Georgia to a special reception for the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Immunization Week. The reception was held at the Tom Harkin Global Communication Center at the CDC campus in Atlanta.

Lions Clubs International and Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) supports the Measles and Rubella Initiative, a global partnership led by the CDC, WHO, the United Nations Foundation, American Red Cross and UNICEF. Through the One Shot, One Life: Lions Measles Initiative, Lions were able to mobilize a total of US$15 million to help protect children worldwide from measles.

At the event, Lions toured the David J. Spencer CDC museum, which is hosting an ongoing exhibit of the history of CDC including vaccine preventable diseases and the fight against measles. Acclaimed illustrator Sophie Blackall (pictured above with Lions) also shared artwork inspired by her interactions in the Democratic Republic of Congo with families and health workers affected by measles.

Photo Credit: CDC

The Lions Reading Action Program Rap Video Contest finalists have been announced! Above is the rap video created by the Medan Fine Arts Lions Club. We’ll be featuring all three finalists on the blog this week.

You can vote on Facebook and/or YouTube now through Friday, May 3. Click on the links below to view and vote for your favorite video!

• St. Marta San Pedro Alejandrino Lions Club: Facebook and YouTube
• Medan Fine Arts Lions Club: Facebook and YouTube
• Brussels Cooperation & Da Vinci Lions Clubs: Facebook and YouTube

The winner will be announced during the Second Plenary Session of the 2013 Lions Clubs International Convention in Hamburg, Germany on the morning of Monday, July 8.

Will you be in Hamburg, Germany, July 5-9 for this year’s Lions International Convention? If so, be sure to soak in as much of the local beauty and culture as possible, and enjoy additional savings on local tour bundles.

Hapag-Lloyd/Beeftea is offering local tour bundles features two to three tours per package. Lions who book these packages can see the best sights in Hamburg at a great price and save up to EUR 21,90 (approximately $30 USD) per person versus purchasing these tours individually.

View the tour packages online and book today at:  lions-on-tour.com/excursions.html

What are you most excited to experience in Hamburg?

This week is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Immunization Week (WIW), aimed to promote the use of vaccines that protect children and adults from deadly disease. The vaccine is a powerful tool that “immunizes” people against diseases like pneumonia, polio, measles, rubella and tetanus – preventing 2 to 3 million deaths each year.

As a part of the One Shot, One Life: Lions Measles Initiative, Lions worldwide have worked to provide vaccinations and reduce the deaths caused by measles and rubella.

• Lions have helped vaccinate more than 200 million children worldwide since 2010 (157 million just last year!), alongside LCIF partners in the Measles and Rubella Initiative.
• Last year, Lions were active in measles campaigns in Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Niger, Cameroon, and Nepal. Lions were proud to mobilize funds to make measles campaigns possible, protecting children and saving lives.
• During WIW 2013, Lions are joining with partners not only in Atlanta but in many events in Africa and South Asia to raise awareness of the benefits of immunization.
• Last year Lions mobilized $15 million to support carrying out measles campaigns. This was $10 million from LCIF and $5 million from BMGF challenge grant.

How is your Lions club recognizing World Immunization Week?

Photo Credit: PAHO

The Lions Reading Action Program Rap Video Contest finalists have been announced! Above is the rap video created by the St. Marta San Pedro Alejandrino Lions Club. We’ll be featuring all three finalists on the blog this week.

You can vote on Facebook and/or YouTube now through Friday, May 3. Click on the links below to view and vote for your favorite video!

• St. Marta San Pedro Alejandrino Lions Club: Facebook and YouTube
• Medan Fine Arts Lions Club: Facebook and YouTube
• Brussels Cooperation & Da Vinci Lions Clubs: Facebook and YouTube

The winner will be announced during the Second Plenary Session of the 2013 Lions Clubs International Convention in Hamburg, Germany on the morning of Monday, July 8.