END Polio

Aylsham Rotary Club collected donations in Aylsham to combat polio on World Polio Day, October 24. Polio, a paralyzing and potentially fatal disease, still threatens some children worldwide. Rotary's PolioPlus program, in partnership with other organizations, has been at the forefront of the global effort to eradicate polio through massive vaccination campaigns. Rotary has contributed over $2.2 billion and numerous volunteer hours, protecting nearly 3 billion children across 122 countries.

Since 1988, Rotary's involvement has helped reduce polio cases by 99.9%, with only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, still reporting cases. The infrastructure built to combat polio now serves in other areas of public health, including fighting diseases like COVID-19.

Challenges remain, particularly in Afghanistan and Pakistan due to various factors, but with adequate resources and continued commitment, the goal of eradication is within reach.

To ensure success, Rotary has pledged to raise $50 million annually for polio eradication, matched 2-to-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, totaling $150 million each year. These funds support operations, medical workers, equipment, and educational materials.

Rotary members, alongside UNICEF and other partners, actively participate in vaccinating children and distributing information in hard-to-reach areas. Many public figures and celebrities, including Bill Gates, Kristen Bell, John Cena, and others, support Rotary's fight against polio.

You can also join the battle to eradicate polio at www.endpolio.org Together, we can make a difference! #EndPolio #RotaryInAction