WHO region of Africa has been declared wild polio-free

After decades of work across 47 countries on the continent, the World Health Organization has certified the Africa region polio free.


oday, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Africa region, has officially been certified free from wild poliovirus, signifying a major milestone in the battle to eradicate the disease worldwide.

This certification has come four years after Nigeria, the last polio-endemic country in Africa, recorded its final case of wild polio and is an incredible public health achievement for Rotary members, the African region, and Rotary’s partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).

This progress is the result of a decades-long effort across the 47 countries which make up the WHO’s African region and now means that five of the six WHO regions, which represent 90% of the world’s population, will be free of polio.

africa polio free

Today, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Africa region, has officially certified free from wild poliovirus, signifying a major milestone in the battle to eradicate the disease worldwide.

Efforts to get to this momentous stage have involved millions of health workers traveling by foot, boat, bike and bus to reach children, innovative strategies to vaccinate those living among conflict and insecurity, and a huge disease surveillance network to test cases of paralysis and check sewage for the virus.

In 1996, Rotary and our partners joined with Nelson Mandela to jumpstart Africa’s commitment to polio eradication. Since then, 9 billion doses of oral polio vaccine have been provided, averting an estimated 1.8 million cases of wild poliovirus on the continent.

africa polio free

Since 1996, 9 billion doses of oral polio vaccine have been provided, averting an estimated 1.8 million cases of wild poliovirus on the continent.

Rotary members have played an invaluable role in the effort to rid the African region of wild polio.

By raising funds for polio eradication, advocating with world governments and national and local leaders, and raising awareness, Rotarians have contributed nearly US $890 million to conquer polio in the region.

Despite this incredible public health milestone, the job to fully rid the world of polio goes on, as the virus continues to circulate in parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Vaccination programmes must continue to reach every last child and strengthen routine immunisation to keep immunity levels high, so the virus does not return to Africa.

Rotary members across Great Britain and Ireland remain committed to making the final, challenging steps towards a polio free world a reality.

Events will be taking place across the world on 24th October, to mark annual World Polio Day.


(ALL fields required)

Your email address will not be displayed, once the comment has been approved.

To reduce spam, http:// and www. are not allowed.

Related pages...

President Roger hands over to President Elect Ann

Presidential Handover

more President Roger Chivall hands over to President Elect Ann Jones

Rotarians and Staff of Lawrence House working hard

Hinckley Homeless - Lawrence House

more Refurbishment of bedrooms at Lawrence House

One of the newly refurbished bedrooms.

Lawrence House

more Donation to Lawrence House funds the refurbishment of two bedrooms

Rotarian Mike hands over the latest donation by Hinckley Ambion and Asda.

Hinckley Foodbank

more Hinckley Ambion and Asda combine to help Hinckley Foodbank

Blood Bikes

Blood Bikes

more We had a speaker from Blood Bikes talk to us on 1st july

planting crocus in support on End Poilo Now

planting purple crocus at Hinckley hospital

more supporting End Polio Now

Always keeping busy

more Even before the coronavirus pandemic there were numerous demands on Rotarians to provide support to the local and wider community. Serving the local, national & global community is what Rotary is all about.

Bird box production line

Bird box production line

more Bird boxes made by our master craftsman Ivan

Planting crocus at Hinckley hospital

Crocus planting 2020

more Planting crocus at Hinckley hospital

Past President Alan Jones acknowledged for his service

more Past president Alan Jones receiving his Sapphire Paul Harris and People of Action award for service to District 1070 and Shelterbox from Past AG Les Aldrich

Helipads for Hospitals

more Hinckley Ambion's latest donation of aluminum collected towards the Helipad for Leicester Royal Infirmary

back to page above this...

2020/21 Events

back This Page Collects together the events for Rotary Year 2020/21