End Polio Now

Together, We Can End Polio

What is Polio? - Polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause permanent paralysis and even death. There is no cure, but it can be prevented through vaccination.

Since 1988, Rotary and its partners have helped reduce polio cases worldwide by more than 99.9%, protecting millions of children from this devastating disease. 

More than 20 million people are walking today who would otherwise have been paralysed by polio.

This is just one of the extraordinary achievements of the global eradication programme and a powerful reminder of why our efforts matter.

Today Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries where wild poliovirus remains endemic. However, polio vaccination and surveillance are essential worldwide.

More than 400 million children are vaccinated against polio each year through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Reaching children in remote communities, conflict zones and other challenging environments is a huge undertaking, but essential if we are to fulfil Rotary's promise of a polio-free world.

Rotary's Commitment to End Polio

In 1985, Rotary launched PolioPlus, becoming the first organisation to tackle global polio eradication through the mass vaccination of children.

In 1988, Rotary became a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, joining forces with international health organisations, governments and communities worldwide.

Since then, Rotary members have contributed over $USD 3 billion, raised awareness, advocated for continued support and volunteered millions of hours of their time to help protect children from polio.

Rotary made a promise to the children of the world, and we are determined to keep it.

Rotary Guernsey – Playing Our Part

Rotary Guernsey has supported End Polio Now for many years, raising funds and awareness through community activities and fundraising initiatives - with tremendous support from the people of Guernsey. 

From planting thousands of purple crocuses across the island to organising events and encouraging donations, our members and supporters continue to contribute to this worldwide effort.

Every contribution helps sustain the vaccination programmes, disease surveillance and other essential work needed to achieve a polio-free world.

Why Purple?

During mass vaccination campaigns, children's little fingers are marked with PURPLE dye to indicate that they have received the polio vaccine.

These Purple Pinkies have inspired fundraising activities around the world, including Rotary's Purple4Polio supporting Rotary's End Polio Now campaign.

Here in Guernsey, 750,000 purple crocuses planted by Rotary, Floral Guernsey and community volunteers provide a colourful annual reminder of our commitment to ending polio.

Why does it matter to us here in Guernsey?

Guernsey's last recorded case of polio was in 1959, but we cannot take our polio-free status for granted. As long as poliovirus continues to circulate anywhere in the world, there is a risk of it spreading to countries where the disease has long been eliminated. Sustaining vaccination and surveillance worldwide is essential to protecting future generations.

What does this all cost?

Just 20p can provide a dose of polio vaccine. Around £3 can help fully protect a child, covering multiple doses and the costs of reaching children in some of the world's most inaccesbile places in communities.

How You Can Help

Through the Gates Foundation's 2:1 matching arrangement, donations to Rotary's PolioPlus Fund can be tripled, making your support go even further as every £1 becomes £3.

Whether you make a donation, join one of our fundraising activities or help raise awareness, you can play a part in making a polio-free world a reality.

Donate to Rotary Guernsey's End Polio Now Appeal

To find out more about the worldwide eradication programme, visit www.endpolio.org.

Who do I contact with more questions?

Rotarian Jannine Birtwistle of the Rotary Club of Guernsey