Why More Funds?

To end polio, we must stop the transmission of wild poliovirus in the 2 countries that continue to report cases: Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Why Zero Matters

Polio cases have been reduced by 99.9% worldwide since 1988, but it is critical for us to continue our efforts to eradicate the disease for good.
  

The Risk:

A Resurgence of Polio

  
If polio is not fully eradicated, we could see a global resurgence of the disease with as many as 200,000 new cases each year over the next 10 years, all over the world.
  

The Challenge:

Worldwide Eradication

  
As we get closer to ending polio, we need to increase disease detection, also known as surveillance, to ensure the virus is truly gone from every corner of the world. Given that only one in 200 cases of polio results in paralysis, we rely on the program's extensive surveillance and laboratory network to tell us where polio does (and does not) exist.
  
  
  
  

Understanding Eradication

  

  

The Solution:

Finishing the Fight

  
Together with our partners, governments, community leaders, health workers, and volunteers, we must stay vigilant. Until we eradicate the disease, we must continue to immunize every single child against polio.

What Your Money Buys:

In January 2019, Rotary gave nearly $50 million in grants to our partners WHO and UNICEF for polio eradication activities. The money will pay for technical expertise and social mobilization in 11 countries across Africa and Asia. Some examples of how the money was used: 
  
  • In Pakistan:

    111,817 vaccinators to deliver the vaccine
  • In Afghanistan:

    to paint 12 murals and release a mobile app to raise awareness in high-risk areas
  • In Iraq:

    30,781 markers to mark the fingers of children who have been vaccinated
  • In Afghanistan:

    To distribute 13 million caps, shirts, and aprons to vaccinators and volunteers
  

  

Who We Work With

Our Partners

Progress to Date

Polio Timeline