The World Health Organization (WHO) on 25 August announced that transmission of the wild poliovirus has officially been stopped in all 47 countries of its African region. This is a historic and vital step toward global eradication of polio, which is Rotary’s top priority.
After decades of hard won gains in the region, Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) — WHO, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the vaccine alliance — are proclaiming the milestone an achievement in public health. They offer it as proof that strong commitment, coordination, and perseverance can rid the world of polio.
Rotarians from all our clubs have and continue to support through their volunteer hours and donations the commitment of Rotary to eradicate polio. With World Polio Day coming up on 23 October there are many activities focused on supporting this cause including the Tag You On- Tag yPolio Off initiative on the Auckland train network.