The Rotary Commitment to Eradicating Polio:
A Global Mission
Watch the video here
For over 38 years, Rotary International has been at the forefront of one of the most significant global
health initiatives in history: the eradication of polio. Through the PolioPlus program, Rotary has not
only helped to reduce polio cases by 99% but also contributed over $2.6 billion and countless
volunteer hours to immunize over 2.5 billion children worldwide. When Rotary started this effort in
1985, polio paralysed more than 350,000 children in more than 125 endemic countries around the
world. Polio at that time was the leading cause of disability in developing countries, even more so than
disability caused by landmines.
In 1988, Rotary International became a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative
(GPEI), alongside key global organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF,
the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance , and
the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The vision behind PolioPlus is relatively straightforward: its
philosophy is that every child – no matter where they live – has the right to be protected from this
disease through vaccination.
The initiative has dramatically reduced the spread of polio, with only two countries—Afghanistan and
Pakistan—where the virus remains endemic.
Although the number of polio cases has been reduced drastically, the fight is not over. In areas where
polio is still endemic, the virus can resurface and spread if eradication efforts falter. The PolioPlus
fund helps ensure continued immunization efforts, disease surveillance, and the rapid response to any
outbreaks.
The eradication of polio is within reach, but it requires continued effort and resources. By donating to
the PolioPlus Fund, Rotarians can directly contribute to the immunization of children, the
strengthening of health systems, and the protection of future generations from this crippling disease.
How You Can Help:
- Donate to the PolioPlus Fund: Your contributions help provide vaccines, transport, and
healthcare workers in vulnerable areas.
- Raise Awareness: Share information about the campaign with your network, encouraging
others to contribute.
- Be a Part of the Solution: Every Rotarian can make a difference by supporting the final push
to eradicate polio.
Together, we can make polio history.
Donate to PolioPlus today and help us achieve a polio-free world.
COMPTE: Spendenkonto Rotary PolioPlus CH/FL
IBAN: CH46 8080 8008 4335 2770 0
BANQUE: Raiffeisenbank Leimental, 4104 Oberwil, Suisse
