Thank you for gathering today as we discuss one of Rotary International’s longest-standing and most impactful commitments—the global eradication of polio. This fight has been at the core of Rotary’s mission for decades, and today I want to emphasize why, despite remarkable progress, polio eradication remains a top priority for our organization and why, until every last child is protected, our work remains unfinished.
The journey began in 1985 when Rotary launched the PolioPlus program, setting an ambitious goal to immunize the world’s children against polio. Back then, polio paralyzed or killed an estimated 1,000 people every day in 125 countries. Today, thanks to the efforts of Rotary and our partners, cases have dropped by over 99.9%, and the disease is now endemic in just two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is one of the greatest public health achievements in human history, and Rotarians like you have been at the heart of it.
Yet, our work is not complete. The reality is that until polio is eradicated everywhere, children everywhere remain at risk. We have learned from history that diseases left unchecked can quickly spread, and as long as there is one case of polio anywhere, there is a risk of outbreaks everywhere. We’ve seen it recently in areas of Africa and even in parts of the developed world where the virus reemerged, reminding us that we cannot afford to let our guard down. It’s a sobering reminder that in this interconnected world, we are only as strong as our most vulnerable communities.
Moreover, the work we are doing has long-lasting benefits beyond polio. The infrastructure and networks Rotary has helped create, including disease surveillance systems, healthcare networks, and partnerships with governments and organizations like the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, have been instrumental not just in polio eradication but in fighting other diseases and responding to health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, these systems helped deliver vaccines, track outbreaks, and protect communities, showing the far-reaching impact of our polio eradication work.
But this fight also underscores Rotary’s commitment to service, to leaving a lasting impact on global health, and to achieving what was once thought impossible. Eradicating a disease is one of humanity’s greatest and rarest achievements—smallpox is the only disease to be eradicated to date—and we have an incredible opportunity to join the ranks of those who have changed the course of history. We owe it to the millions of children who have been saved, the frontline workers who risk their lives, and the communities who look to us for leadership.
Our commitment to polio eradication is a commitment to a healthier, safer, and more just world. It reminds us that change is possible when we work together with purpose, persistence, and compassion. And it calls upon each of us, Rotarians, to remain steadfast in this mission until the very last case of polio is gone.
Think of the impact we’ve made. Thanks to Rotarians worldwide, millions of children are immunized, and countless lives are saved from the life-altering effects of this preventable disease.
Rotarians have been donating generously to the polio eradication efforts. Over US$2.6 billion has been collected and spent by The Rotary Foundation worldwide for the polio eradiation work. In Indian alone TRF has disbursed over US$ 275 million. Over 3.6 billion children have been vaccinated worldwide.
Our commitment doesn’t end with the last case; it’s a multi-faceted approach that strengthens health systems, mobilizes local leaders, and empowers entire communities. Eradicating polio means eradicating poverty, creating healthier societies, and investing in a future where no one suffers from this terrible disease.
The increase in polio cases in our neighbouring countries Pakistan and Afghanistan is worrying. There are nearly 56 cases reported from these two countries. You may be aware that India shares land borders with 7 Countries. India has 15,106.7 Kms of land border and a coastline of 7,516.6 Kms including island territories. With Pakistan we share a border for 3,323 Kms and with Afghanistan we have border for 106 Kms. This is sufficient for polio to come back into our country if we are not vigilant.
In a sudden unexpected turn of events, a child from Meghalaya was reported to be affected with polio just two months ago. Then there was this news from Chennai on October 23rd that said that many children have not been vaccinated against polio. Lowering the guard means that polio is again trying to come back.
Donors play a critical role in the global fight against polio, funding initiatives that have reduced polio cases by over 99% since 1988. Organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization (WHO), and various governments work together through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to provide essential resources. These funds support vaccination campaigns, surveillance, and efforts to strengthen health systems, especially in countries with high transmission rates.
The cost of polio eradication is substantial. The GPEI estimates that it will require around $4.8 billion from 2022 to 2026 to achieve and sustain a polio-free world. Rotary alone has contributed over $2.6 billion since its polio eradication efforts began, and other donors continue to match and supplement these funds. Together, these investments ensure that vaccines reach even the most remote communities, bringing the world closer to ending polio once and for all.
We stand at the edge of a historic victory: the eradication of polio. Rotary has been a driving force behind the global fight against this debilitating disease, and thanks to our collective efforts, cases have dropped by over 99% worldwide. However, until we reach zero cases, every child remains at risk, and our mission remains unfinished.
Now, more than ever, your commitment is essential. Every contribution, big or small, moves us closer to a polio-free world. From raising awareness in our communities to supporting vaccination efforts, each action strengthens our fight. Imagine the legacy we leave behind—a world where polio is a thing of the past. Together, we can make this vision a reality. Let’s work tirelessly, so future generations will live in a world free from the threat of polio. Join us in this final push—because the end of polio starts with us.
In the words of Rotary’s founder Paul Harris, “Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.” Let’s ensure that one of those results is a polio-free world—a world we can proudly pass on to future generations. Together, let’s finish the job.