Since 1985, Rotary members have served as community-based mobilisers for polio eradication, motivating international groups, governments, private organisations, communities and individuals to join the global effort to rid the world of Polio. Rotary works with partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) - including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Bill & Melina Gates Foundation and the governments of the world - to achieve this historic public health good.

 

As part of the effort, Rotary members contribute their time and money to the cause, raising funds, advocating for government support, serving as volunteers to help immunise children and raising awareness in their communities.

 

Rotary members have contributed more the $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease.

 

Rotary's advocay efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort. It may be considered the greatest humanitarian service the world has ever seen and every Rotary member can take pride in that achievement.