Until Polio is Eradicated Worldwide, No One is Safe

By Eric Ombok
Mark your calendars for World Polio Day on October 24. This day is not just a reminder of the progress we’ve made but a call to renew our efforts and push for the final push towards a polio-free world.

Since 1988, Rotarians globally have helped to reduce polio cases by more than 99% from 350,000 in more than 125 countries to just a few cases recently reported in Gaza, with only two endemic countries remaining: Pakistan and Afghanistan. We are now in the “last mile” of this global effort, but the journey is not over. The remaining pockets of the virus require our unwavering commitment.

“Our mission is clear: to continue our relentless fight against polio and ensure that we can finally eradicate this disease from our world,’’ District Community Service Chair Rose Chege says.

Rotarians globally have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort.

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is a public-private partnership led by national governments with six partners – the World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Its goal is to eradicate polio worldwide.

How You Can Make a Difference?
Donate: Every Rotarian and Rotaractor is urged to contribute $10 to the World Polio Fund. Your donation helps fund vital vaccination campaigns and support efforts to eliminate polio where it still exists.

Create Awareness: Spread the word about our progress and ongoing need for support. Use your voice to educate others about the importance of ending polio.

Enhance Surveillance: Encourage community engagement and support local initiatives that monitor and respond to potential polio cases.

Increase Response: Advocate for scaling up our response efforts and ensure that we’re using every tool available to eradicate polio.

“Our collective efforts have brought us this far, but we cannot afford to rest. Let’s unite with renewed energy and commitment to make polio history,’’ Rose says. “Thank you for your dedication and action in this crucial endeavor. Together, we can ensure a future where polio is a distant memory.’’