Distretto 2042 Rotary International
“End Polio Now” is a global campaign promoted by Rotary International to fight polio, an infectious disease that can cause permanent paralysis and, in some cases, death. The campaign aims to completely eradicate polio worldwide and is one of Rotary’s most important and iconic initiatives.
History of the Campaign
Rotary began its commitment to fighting polio in the 1980s. In 1985, it launched the PolioPlus program, with the goal of financing and supporting polio vaccination campaigns. Since then, Rotary has partnered with key organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to promote global vaccination efforts.
In 2007, to give the initiative greater visibility, the “End Polio Now” brand was launched, becoming a powerful symbol of the global commitment to eliminate the disease.
Goals and Results
The main goal of the campaign is to eradicate polio and protect every child from this disease. Thanks to international efforts, polio has been eliminated in over 99% of countries. In 1988, polio was present in 125 countries; today, it remains endemic in only two: Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Despite this progress, significant challenges remain, such as conflict zones, logistical barriers, and vaccine hesitancy in local communities. Nevertheless, Rotary clubs around the world continue to support the cause through donations, awareness campaigns, and fundraising events.
How Rotary Contributes
- Fundraising: Rotary members and their partners contribute through global donations. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation also plays a major role by matching every dollar donated to Rotary for the initiative.
- Awareness campaigns: Rotary organizes events to educate the public about the importance of vaccination and to raise funds for immunization programs.
- Volunteering: Rotarians, alongside their partners, actively participate in administering vaccines and sharing information in the world’s most vulnerable regions.
Long-Term Sustainability
Although polio is close to being eradicated, immunization efforts must continue until the disease is completely wiped out worldwide.
The “End Polio Now” campaign has also led to the creation of stronger health systems, ensuring that no child is ever at risk of polio again.
Ultimately, “End Polio Now” represents one of the most significant efforts in the history of global public health, with Rotary playing a key role in this extraordinary mission.
