The Fight Against Polio

WHO South East Asia celebrates 10 years' polio free

Rotary and the fight against Polio

Rotary is an international community that brings together leaders who step up to take on the world’s toughest challenges, locally and globally.

The eradication of polio is one of our longest-standing and most significant efforts.

Along with our partners, we have helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children against polio in 122 countries.

We have reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide and we won't stop until we end the disease for good.

Get involved via your local Rotary Club or find out more at www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/ending-polio

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Journey highlights

The Journey in Video

Journey Highlights

· 1955 A vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk is declared “safe and effective.”

· 1960 The U.S. government licenses the oral polio vaccine developed by Dr. Albert Sabin

· 1979 Rotary International begins its fight against polio with a multi-year project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippine

· 1985 Rotary International launches PolioPlus, the first and largest internationally coordinated private-sector support of a public health initiative, with an initial fundraising target of US$120 million.

· 1988 Rotary International and the World Health Organization launch the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. There are an estimated 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries.

· 1994 The International Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication announces that polio has been eliminated from the Americas.

· 1995 Health workers and volunteers immunize 165 million children in China and India in 1 week. Rotary launches the PolioPlus Partners program, enabling Rotary members in polio-free countries to provide support to fellow members in polio-affected countries for polio eradication activities.

· 2000 A record 550 million children – almost 10% of the world's population – receive the oral polio vaccine. The Western Pacific region, spanning from Australia to China, is declared polio-free.

· 2003 Six countries remain polio-endemic – Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan.

· 2006 The number of polio-endemic countries drops to 4 - Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, Pakistan.

· 2009 Rotary's overall contribution to the eradication effort nears $800 million. In January, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledges $355 million and issues Rotary a challenge grant of $200 million. This announcement will result in a combined $555 million in support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

· 2012 Polio remains endemic in just 3 countries.

· 2014 India goes 3 full years without a new case caused by the wild poliovirus, and the World Health Organization certifies the South-East Asia region polio-free. Polio cases are down over 99% since 1988.

· 2019 Nigeria goes 3 full years without a new case caused by the wild poliovirus.

· 2020 The World Health Organization certifies the African region wild polio-free.

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Rotary Foundation

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Muheza Hospice Care

Karilyn founded Muheza Hospice Care, providing HIV testing and counselling and outpatient palliative care at the Diana Centre at St Augustine's Hospital, and a home visit service, and providing palliative care training for staff and the local community.

We are pleased to be able to support the charity, which exists to help Herefordshire children, young people and families find their way forward when someone close to them dies.

Global Sight Solutions is a non-profit organisation that works towards eradicating preventable blindness in the developing world. We believe that vision is a basic human right and no one should be denied access to eye care.

What can you do to help in your community? Contact us at herefordcityrotary@gmail.com

Volunteers sought to help make a difference in our community

A community event on 26 September 2025 in partnership with Hereford Community Farm supported by a grant from Herefordshire Community Foundation and raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support

Our annual fundraising event which enables us to support deserving causes in and around Hereford will take place at 3pm on 30 August 20256

Hereford City Rotary Club launches appeal to create a palliative care centre of excellence in Nepal. To donate please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rotaryhospicenepal

Meeting people and selling Duck Race tickets on 29 June at Clehonger.

Ruth receiving her trophy for winning the treasure hunt.

Members took some time off to undertake a treasure hunt by car, ending with a barbecue and charity auction, which raised some funds for charities which we support.

Drewe Lacey at Monmouth on 23 January 2025 for the celebration of the Source of Life Project in conversation with David Evans Mayor of Monmouth and Bev Pope Mayor of Ross-on-Wye.

Celebration of Source of Life Project on 23 January 2025 at the Shire Hall in Monmouth and presentation of cheques by Drewe Lacey District Governor to Friends of the River Wye and Gist Cancer UK following his successful 146 mile walk along the River Wye.

Joint celebration and change of Club Presidents

Celebration of Catherine's International Service Award presented in 2024 for her work in Nigeria

Hereford Sixth Form students showcase their debating skills

Members visit Herefordshire Archive & Records Centre

Helping Hereford Community Farm

Not the haunting kind!

Raising funds for the NHS Brain Injury Unit

A relaxed social with plenty of laughter

Treorchy Male Choir Fundraiser Success

Escape to the Country filming & fun

A wonderful experience with Wye Valley Falconry

Working together to improve education and aspirations

No child's future should be limited Home-Start Herefordshire brings us up to date

Young student recognised for outstanding performance

Hereford Sixth Form College welcomes members

Exciting updates from Hereford Community Farm

Bringing communities together

As the Rotary year comes to an end, new President Kevin Hewison takes the helm.

Where all young people and children have the chance to dance!

Our sponsored football team is aiming for the top of the league!

HCRC presents recumbent tricycle to brain injury survivors in Hereford

A message from the children of African Adventures

EnviRecover, creating energy from waste

What a fabulous festive feast!

Every Hereford FC Fan's Dream

"Honk for Cider"

An entertaining, lively and informative evening with students from the Hereford Sixth Form Debating Society

Members met for a night of tenpin rivalry, great food & fun!

Celebrating a magnificent year of Duck Race fundraising and friendship

Supplying generators to help families keep warm during this winter in Ukraine

Members enjoyed a recycling masterclass at Envirosort Worcester

Exploring The Rolls of Monmouth Estate, History, Tour & Afternoon Tea

Midlands Air Ambulance Community Hub is a Hit with Locals

Sainsbury's shoppers show their generosity and kindness

Local children’s charity thanks volunteers, funders, and supporters and welcomes the High Sheriff of Herefordshire to a Garden Tea Party

Celebrating a World War II Hero in Herefordshire

A walk and fine lunch were the order of the day

St Thomas Cantilupe Students Receive Rotary Certificates of Achievement

How Global Sight Solutions are restoring the sight of people in poverty from all around the world

A celebration of achievements, success and hard work, handing over to new President John Taylor

Our members took a visit to Herefordshire's jewel in the historical crown, Eastnor Castle

A fantastic £936.06 raised at Hope Scott House fundraising night

Pupils and staff in a primary school in Nepal are delighted with the earthquake-resilient school that we've helped to provide

The provision of books is vital for these children's education

Support for library helps children's only access to a literary education