On October 24th, the global community unites to celebrate World Polio Day, spotlighting the ongoing fight to eradicate polio and acknowledging the unwavering dedication of those leading this charge. Rotary International, a stalwart in this decades-long battle, has been instrumental in bringing the world tantalizingly close to eradicating this crippling disease.
Polio, once a widespread and feared health crisis, is now nearly eliminated, thanks largely to the relentless efforts of Rotary International and its partners. Since the launch of the PolioPlus program in 1985, Rotary has contributed more than $2.1 billion and mobilized countless volunteers to immunize over 2.5 billion children across 122 countries. Their work has been a cornerstone in the global initiative to combat polio.
The commitment of Rotarians extends far beyond financial contributions. On the ground, they have organized vaccination campaigns, educated communities about the necessity of immunization, and lobbied for political backing to keep polio eradication a global priority. Their grassroots efforts combined with strategic advocacy have significantly reduced polio cases worldwide, leaving only a few isolated regions still affected.
This World Polio Day, we honor the tireless efforts of Rotarians around the globe who have brought us #ThisClose to a polio-free world. Their perseverance and dedication serve as a beacon of hope, showcasing what can be achieved through collective action. As we stand on the brink of eradicating polio, the world owes a profound debt of gratitude to these unsung heroes.
Let us celebrate their dedication and continue to support the global endeavor to end polio. Together, we can ensure that future generations will live without the fear of polio. #PeopleOfAction
