Every October 24, the Rotary family around the world pauses to reflect on one of the most defining missions
of our time, the fight to end polio. World Polio Day is not just another date on the Rotary calendar; it is a day of
remembrance, of celebration, and most importantly, of renewed commitment to finish what we started.
For more than three decades, Rotary has been at the forefront of one of the greatest public health initiatives
in history. In 1985, when Rotary launched the PolioPlus program, more than 350,000 children in 125 countries
were paralyzed by polio every year. It seemed like an impossible battle. But Rotary saw a future where no child would ever suffer from this crippling disease again. That vision sparked a movement, one that has brought us to where we are today, with polio cases reduced by 99.9% worldwide.
Thanks to the dedication of Rotarians, volunteers, and partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, entire
regions of the world, including the African continent, have been certified polio-free. This is history in motion.
It is proof that when people unite around a common purpose, the world can change. Yet, our fight is not over. As long as polio exists anywhere, it remains a threat everywhere. Just one child paralyzed means that thousands more are at risk. The world is watching Rotary to lead with courage, creativity, and compassion, and World Polio Day is our platform to show that leadership. READ MORE
