End Polio Now July 2026 Bulletin
Update on the World Polio Status
End Polio Now Update: July 2026
Continuing thanks to all clubs who invite me (and often Judith, my better half) into their meetings to give a presentation on Polio in a wider context, from its technical discovery, effects, the history of the immunisation programs through to what’s happening now and in the future. Thanks too for the donations you have made to the ongoing eradication program as clubs or, in some cases as individuals.
STATS
The table below gives the latest stats available to me as at 14/07/2026. You will appreciate there is always a delay due the collection of data emanating from some very remote locations. The table is deliberately truncated below the TOTAL line.
The above should be self-explanatory as it follows the usual format. It shows there have been 10 new cases of Polio reported so far this calendar year (compared to 16 in the same period last year). If you have any questions, let me know. Lines for the unhighlighted countries occasionally show up – for no reason that is apparent to me (just ignore them)
Crocus 2026
When I checked yesterday evening I noted that 15 boxes of corms have so far been ordered – for which many thanks. Ordering is still possible via this link https://www.rotarygbi.org/crocus-order-form
Deadline for the submission of orders will be Friday 28 August but please don’t leave it until the last minute.
Please do not leave it until the last minute and get your orders in as soon as possible!
When planting in November, please try and maximise the visibility of the event by getting local schools or groups such as the scouts, guides, air cadets involved to, hopefully, increase the awareness of Rotary’s promise to rid the world of polio as much as possible.
Regards, have a good summer…
Malcolm Tagg
'What We Do' Main Pages:
A 'Signature' project for Rotary York Ainsty. Members collect glasses from opticians then sort and grade them, before taking to Africa. RUTH PEROTT awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year's honours. Link: https://tinyurl.com/MBESpecSort
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York optometrist Ruth Perrott was honoured with the award of an MBE in the Queen's New Year's 2021 list for her work in supporting visually impaired patients in Africa. She recently attended a ceremony where she received her award from Prince William.
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Full results and detail of the RYA Santa Sleigh in York and district in the run-up to Christmas 2024
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Sow, Grow and Share is now an over-arching title which encompasses the various diverse initiatives including Rotary York Ainsty providing growing kits to produce fresh food for participants in the York locale.
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Rotary York Ainsty has honoured York-based charities and individuals who partnered with Rotary to mitigate the effects of the Covid-10 Pandemic on the communities in York and district
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Rotary York Ainsty membership opportunities are listed and detailed here - click on the image to advance to the detail.
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A joint initiative with local organisations and schools to plant crocuses, the purple crocus blooms reminding all of the on-going threat of poliomyelitis to the world's children.
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Team players wanted to join us in our many York community-based projects - with local, national and international benefits. Find out more below.
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Team players wanted to join us to assist us in our many community initiatives - with INTERNATIONAL benefits... Find out more here.
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Yorkits - making and supplying washable feminine hygiene kits for girls in developing countries
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Eco Angels is a Rotary York Ainsty (RYA) initiative that aims to transform waste plastic into attractive Angels. For a voluntary donation to the Yorkits project (which helps to change lives) RYA is providing basic armature shaped kits.
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Yorkits - making and supplying washable feminine hygiene kits for girls in developing countries
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Rotary York Ainsty Rotarians embark on a massive purple crocus planting campaign to mark World Polio Day on October 24 at the Folk Hall, New Earswick, York.
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Rotary York Ainsty, working in cooperation with two other Rotary Clubs in different countries, is developing a project which will bring medical aid to a remote region of Albania - Fushë Arrëz.
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The highly-regarded SpecSort initiative - a flagship project of Rotary York Ainsty - is expanding its sphere of operation by delivering sorted and graded pre-owned glasses to more countries across the globe.
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Greening the Groves is a York initiative supported by YOUR local Rotary Club - Rotary York Ainsty
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A York-based organic nursery and craft workshop is providing a safe and secure community working environment for those with learning difficulties.
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ToyLikeMe is a York-based community-interest company which encourages and influences toy manufacturers to consider disability when designing their products.
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Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organised by Rotary clubs and districts where teenagers develop skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.
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How to show an interest in joining Rotary York Ainsty - A selection of membership application forms
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Follow the travels of Santa as he tours streets and villages of York bringing the Christmas message to local communities.
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An archive of Press Releases circulated to the media of York - including cuttings and links to original documents and resources.
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Yearsley Grove School in Huntington, York support Rotary York Ainsty's Polio Eradication project
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York area school pupils aimed for top marks in ingenuity as they swapped their classroom for a design and construction challenge - the RiY Technology Tournament, which was held at the international headquarters of Portakabin, in Huntington, York.
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Rotarians and volunteers have been out and about assisting with Marie Curie cancer care collections in York.
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The heart defibrillator at Copmanthorpe is ready for use, installed courtesy of Rotary York Ainsty.
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A photo-gallery featuring some images taken on the 2018 visit to RYA's 'twin' club in Münster, Germany - Münster St Mauritz.
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RYA have an active social program, usually held during the first week of the month in place of the traditional club meeting. This is open to relatives, friends and anyone interested in Rotary.
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