Polio in the News

Polio Eradication - Vaccines protect communities

 but only if we use them.......

Thanks to the global effort led by organisations such as Rotary International through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the world is closer than ever to ending polio forever. Vaccination has reduced cases by over 99% since the 1980s – one of the greatest public-health achievements in history.  But diseases return when vaccination rates fall.

Recently in London and the West Midlands, lower uptake of the MMR vaccine has contributed to a rise in cases of measles – a reminder that these illnesses have not disappeared; they are only kept at bay through vaccination. More recently, cases of meningitis have also highlighted the ongoing risk posed by preventable diseases and the importance of maintaining strong immunisation programmes across all age groups.

The lesson is clear: when communities protect themselves with vaccines, diseases decline. When vaccination drops, they can come back.

That’s why Rotary’s mission to end polio remains so important. Through its leadership and long-standing commitment to global health, Rotary International continues to play a vital role in protecting children and communities worldwide. Concerns have therefore been raised following decisions by the UK Government to withdraw funding from certain international polio initiatives. At a time when outbreaks of preventable diseases still occur, sustained investment and global cooperation are more important than ever.

Until polio is eradicated everywhere, it remains a risk everywhere.