International Service

The International Committee is concerned with the club's involvement in humanitarian work and Rotary fellowship around the world, and is committed to promoting world understanding and peace. One of the most powerful ways Rotary lives out this mission is through its leadership in the global fight to eradicate polio.

Since 1985, Rotary International has been at the forefront of the End Polio Now campaign — a monumental effort to eliminate polio from every corner of the globe. At the time the initiative began, polio was endemic in 125 countries, paralyzing hundreds of thousands of children each year. Thanks to decades of coordinated action, that number has been reduced by over 99%, with the disease now confined to just two countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Rotary’s commitment has been unwavering. Members have contributed more than $2.1 billion (approximately £1.6 billion) and countless volunteer hours to immunize nearly 3 billion children worldwide. This effort is part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a partnership that includes the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation — which matches Rotary’s contributions 2-to-1, bringing the total impact to over $6 billion (around £4.6 billion).

Through events like World Polio Day, purple crocus plantings, and local fundraising campaigns, Rotary clubs — including ours — continue to raise awareness and funds to finish the job. Because until polio is gone everywhere, it remains a threat everywhere.

Together, we can make history. Together, we can End Polio Now.