Verwood Rotary, as part of Rotary UK, has been a key player in the global effort to eradicate polio.
Working alongside international organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since 1985, Rotary has been actively involved in the global campaign to end polio, launching its PolioPlus programme, which has raised over £2 billion towards vaccination efforts. The organization’s contribution includes providing funding for vaccines, coordinating with local governments, and organizing volunteer efforts in polio-endemic countries.
Rotary UK’s efforts are part of a larger, global initiative called End Polio Now, which aims to achieve a polio-free world. Through this initiative, Rotary UK supports vaccination campaigns, awareness programmes, and public health interventions in regions where polio remains a threat. In addition to financial support, Rotary members contribute their time and expertise, helping to coordinate vaccination teams, educate communities, and promote the importance of vaccination.
Rotary UK’s work is particularly focused on high-risk areas, such as parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria, where polio transmission continues to occur. Rotary’s partnership with other international organisations ensures that these regions receive the necessary resources to carry out large-scale vaccination drives and provide long-term health education to local populations. Additionally, Rotary has played a significant role in securing political support and funding from governments and private donors, amplifying the global response to polio eradication.
Why Should You Care About Polio?
Polio cases have been reduced by over 99.9% worldwide, but the fight isn’t over. In this video, we explore why it is critical to remain vigilant. Hear from WHO advisor Dr. Sunil Bahl on the role of surveillance in preventing outbreaks, visit a government lab in India, and follow the collection of an AFP (acute flaccid paralysis) sample. Discover how ongoing efforts are keeping the world closer to a polio-free future.
One of the most significant milestones in Rotary’s work on polio eradication was the launch of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation matching campaign, where Rotary committed to raising funds, which would then be matched by the Foundation. This initiative has dramatically increased the funding available for vaccination and public health programmes. Although polio has been reduced by over 99% globally, Rotary UK continues to advocate for complete eradication, focusing efforts on overcoming the remaining challenges and ensuring that polio does not return.