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 2023, Rotary gave USD$50 million in grants to our partners WHO and UNICEF for polio eradication activities. The money will pay for technical expertise, social mobilization, and more. Some examples of how the money was used:
