Eradicating Polio in Africa

Mar 01, 2021

Ezra Teshome of Rotary District 5030

Ezra Teshome will update Rotarians on the success of efforts to eradicate Polio in Africa. He will describe the hard work that resulted in ensuring the last pandemic country, Nigeria, was declared polio-free last August.

Ezra is an entrepreneur who has earned accolades worldwide for his philanthropic endeavors and efforts within Africa to impact the lives of children. He is passionate about global health issues, particularly focusing on the eradication of polio and bringing clean water to villages in rural Ethiopia. Ezra built a successful insurance and financial services business for over 35 years, and is also very involved in his local Ethiopian community, where he helped build the first church and establish the community center.

Ezra is the recipient of many community honors, including the World Affairs Council’s World Citizen Award; Seattle University’s Alumni Community Service Award; Highline Community College’s Distinguish Alumni Award; Rotary’s Service Above Self Award; Rotary International’s Service Award for a Polio-Free World; University of Washington Health Science’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award; and being named a Time Magazine Global Health Hero.

Ezra served as the Rotary District 5030 Governor in 2013-14. He is married to Yobi and they have 4 children and 4 grandchildren.