Since 1985, Rotary’s PolioPlus programme has led one of the most ambitious public health campaigns ever- working to eradicate polio worldwide.
In partnership with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), Rotary has helped reduce polio cases by 99.9%, immunising over 2.5 billion children across more than 100 countries.
In partnership with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), Rotary has helped reduce polio cases by 99.9%, immunising over 2.5 billion children across more than 100 countries.
But the fight isn’t over.
Why Polio Still Matters
Polio is a highly infectious virus that mostly affects children under five. It spreads through contaminated water and can cause irreversible paralysis. There’s no cure, but there is a safe and effective vaccine, and continued vaccination is essential.
As of October 2025, wild polio remains endemic in Pakistan (29 cases) and Afghanistan (7 cases). However, vaccine-derived strains, caused when weakened virus strains mutate in under-vaccinated areas, have emerged in Nigeria, Chad, Somalia, Angola, Yemen, and Laos.
Without continued action, polio could rebound quickly, potentially paralyzing hundreds of thousands of children every year.
The Power of “Plus”
The “Plus” in PolioPlus goes beyond vaccines. It means:
- Funding health worker training, transport, and vaccine delivery
- Supporting sanitation and clean water (WASH) initiatives
- Strengthening global health systems that also fight diseases like COVID-19 and Ebola
Rotary’s impact has created a ripple effect that extends far beyond polio.
Rotary in Action: What Members Can Do
🌍 Rotarians
- Fundraise creatively: Host "Purple Pinky" events, talent shows, or “Gala with a Purpose” dinners (like the Rotary Club of Central Port-of-Spain).
- Support health systems: Partner with UNICEF or other NGOs to fund WASH and outreach programs in vulnerable communities.
- Join the PolioPlus Society: A small, recurring donation—tripled by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation—can protect countless children.
- Advocate locally: Meet with local leaders and urge continued support for the GPEI.
🚀 Rotaractors
- Raise awareness online: Launch social media campaigns with survivor stories, graphics, and videos.
- Host events: Plan a World Polio Day walk, run, or campus booth to engage the public.
- Start a fundraiser: Use platforms like Raise for Rotary or Facebook to crowdsource donations.
- Educate your network: Bring in a PolioPlus speaker to bust myths and inspire action.
🎒 Interactors
- School fundraisers: Organize "Pennies for Polio" drives, bake sales, or book swaps.
- Art for advocacy: Run a contest or art show on the theme of a polio-free world.
- Launch a challenge: Start a viral pinky-painting campaign to raise awareness and funds.
- Be informed: Share the truth about vaccines with peers and classmates.
The Final Mile
We are closer than ever to eradicating polio, but this final stretch demands urgency, unity, and unwavering resolve.
Rotary’s network, from seasoned Rotarians to young Interactors, is uniquely positioned to finish the job. With continued donations, volunteerism, and advocacy, we can ensure that no child, anywhere, ever suffers from polio again.
Ready to Make a Difference?
- 💙 Donate to End Polio
- 📣 Start a fundraiser
- 🎓 Learn more at EndPolio.org
Join us. Be part of history. Let’s end polio—for good.