End Polio Now: A Global Mission to Eradicate Polio

Though once widespread, polio has been eliminated from most countries thanks to vaccination efforts. However, it remains a threat in a few regions around the world.

The End Polio Now campaign, led by Rotary International, has been at the forefront of the global fight against polio for over three decades. In partnership with organizations like the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary has worked tirelessly to vaccinate billions of children, drastically reducing the number of polio cases by 99.9% since 1988.

Why Is This Campaign So Important?

While the progress is remarkable, polio has not yet been completely eradicated. As long as the virus exists anywhere in the world, all children are at risk. The final push to eliminate polio is the most challenging, but also the most critical. If we stop now, polio could spread, potentially paralyzing hundreds of thousands of children in a matter of years.

What Is Rotary Doing?

Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign is a shining example of People of Action making a real impact. Through fundraising, advocacy, and hands-on efforts, Rotary members like those at the Rotary Club of Wokingham are helping to raise awareness and support global vaccination campaigns.

Rotary’s commitment has mobilized significant financial resources, including matching funds from partners like the Gates Foundation, multiplying the impact of every donation.

The Power of the Purple Crocus

A symbol of Rotary’s polio eradication efforts, the purple crocus represents the dye used to mark the pinky finger of every child who receives the polio vaccine.

This simple yet powerful image reminds us that each vaccine delivered brings us closer to a world where no child suffers from polio.

How You Can Help

The fight to end polio is far from over, but with your support, we can finally make polio a disease of the past. You can join the mission by:

• Donating to the End Polio Now campaign
• Raising awareness in your community
• Supporting local Rotary events that contribute to this cause

Together, we can achieve what seemed impossible: a world free from Polio.