Polio Eradication

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative

Polio is a potentially deadly infectious disease that can cause paralysis, and mostly affects children under five years of age.  The virus spreads from person to person typically through contaminated water.

The fight to end polio is led by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which includes Rotary International, UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and governments of the world, with the support of many others around the globe.

Rotary first became involved with Polio Eradication in 1979, and since 1988 Rotary and its partners have staunchly led the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.  Rotary has helped immunise more than 3 billion children, mobilised public support for ending polio, contributed over US$2.1 billion to the global polio eradication effort, and helped solicit support from donor governments resulting in over $10 billion in contributions.

In 2013 the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation extended their partnership.  For every  £1 Rotary donates, the Gates Foundation donates £2.  

Status Report : 99.9 % reduction in Polio cases since 1979.

Polio is endemic in two countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan, both countries that are experiencing conflict making it more challenging to deliver programmes in those countries.  Figures reported in August 2024 show thirteen cases in Afghanistan and fourteen in Pakistan.

Surveillance plays a key role in identifying potential outbreaks, for example when it was found in the London sewage system in 2022.

Why is there concern that polio has been found in Gaza?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) say they believe there are cases in Gaza, other reports suggest they fear a polio pandemic in Gaza.  In August 2024 WHO confirmed that a 10 month old baby has been confirmed as the first case resulting in paralysis in one leg. It seems clear that this case and the fact that it has shown up in surveillance sampling, confirms that the virus is circulating in the population.  A humanitarian pause allowed the start of a 2 round polio vaccination campaign in Gaza to begin during September aimed at children.

Polio cases have declined rapidly since 1985, but the fight isn't over. Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease, and for as little as US$3, a child can be protected against the virus for life.  If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.

Useful links  End Polio Now and Global Polio Eradication Initiative 

What you can do 

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative has led to more than 125 countries being polio-endemic.

The new vaccine removes vaccine derived polio AND £3 buys 15 doses. That’s fifteen children who do not get polio, fifteen families who do not have to look after a disabled child – all for your £1.

Go to our World Polio Day and ideas page to see what you can do to raise the profile of and also raise funds for the Polio Eradication Programme. Click to Donate Here.