Today, October 24, in International Polio Day and Dundee’s Rotary Club is once again rallying behind the global mission to eradicate the disease for good.

Global progress, local commitment

When Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, there were over 350,000 cases across 125 countries. Today, cases have been cut by 99.9%, with only Afghanistan and Pakistan still reporting wild poliovirus infections.

Rotary remains steadfast in its goal, pledging to raise $50 million annually, with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation matching each contribution two-to-one. Since 1985, Rotary has contributed over $2.2 billion to global eradication efforts.

“Without sustained funding and commitment, polio could return to countries declared polio-free, placing children everywhere at risk,” said Rotary.

What is polio?

Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a viral disease that invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis within hours. While incurable, it is entirely preventable through vaccination — and that prevention makes eradication possible.

Rotary’s ongoing impact

Through its PolioPlus programme, Rotary has driven vaccination campaigns, advocacy, and awareness-building for more than 30 years. Thanks to these global efforts, 19.4 million people who would have been paralysed can now walk, and 1.5 million lives have been saved.

Rotary members continue to volunteer their time and resources, assisting health workers, transporting vaccines, and raising awareness — ensuring that one day, polio will be gone for good.

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