Together, We End Polio
In Nepal, if you look at the stories behind most of our festivals, there is always one message “good wins over evil”. Gods defeat demons, and that victory is why we celebrate.
In the same way, Rotary celebrates the “End Polio Now Campaign” every year on October 24, World Polio Day all over the world. This campaign, led by Rotary International with support from WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is fighting to wipe out polio from the world. Since 1988, cases of polio have dropped by more than 99.9%, yet the fight is not over. Our mission is simple but powerful, no child should ever suffer from polio again.
On this day, we celebrate the victory of humanity over the demon called Polio. World Polio Day is not just a date, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how close we are to a world free from polio. It’s a day for Rotary members, health workers, and everyone who dreams of a healthier future to come together, honor the progress made, and commit to finishing the fight once and for all.
On World Polio Day, Rotary International District 3292 (Nepal and Bhutan) stood united in the fight against polio. We proudly organized a powerful rally, launched public awareness campaigns, performed street dramas and drove fundraising efforts to fuel this critical cause. Our members are on the front lines, directly supporting vaccination drives to protect every child.
This day reinforced our unwavering commitment: together, we will be the generation that ends polio for good.
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that has had a devastating impact worldwide, especially on children. It mainly affects those under the age of five. While there is no cure for polio, it can be prevented through vaccination. Tremendous progress has been made, with polio cases reduced by 99.9% since 1988. However, the disease has not been completely eradicated, and today it remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Until it is fully eliminated, every child across the globe continues to remain at risk.
The fight against polio is carried forward through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), which began in 1988. This global alliance brings together key partners, each playing a vital role. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides leadership and strategic guidance, while UNICEF delivers vaccines and promotes immunization within communities. Rotary International mobilizes funding and volunteer support, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leads in disease surveillance and outbreak response. GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, ensures countries have access to vaccines, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation contributes through strong financial support and advocacy.
Together, these partners coordinate vaccination campaigns, strengthen surveillance, and implement public health strategies with a shared mission: to achieve a polio-free world.
Source: https://endpolionow.org/
