Rotary’s goal to eradicate poliomyelitis globally was promoted in various engaging and inspirational ways throughout last month’s Rotary International Convention.

Article by PDG Murray Verso, End Polio Now Coordinator

The End Polio Now Walk; the Polio Booth in the House of Friendship; plenary presentations by RI President Jennifer Jones, Foundation Chair Ian Riseley and Dr Shahzad Asif Baig from Pakistan; and an excellent informative breakout session were some of the ways our goal to eradicate polio was highlighted at the Melbourne Convention.

'The Delivering on a Dream' breakout session provided an update on the status of polio eradication; shared the work that Rotarians are doing in the remaining polio-endemic and outbreak countries; highlighted Rotarian-led advocacy efforts to ensure financial and political support; and discussed how Rotarians can support the End Polio Now campaign.

The panel discussion was led by Mike McGovern, the chair of Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee and updates on the polio program were delivered by RID Jessie Harman, Brenda Cressey, Aziz Memon and Aiden O’Leary.

Mike McGovern pointed out that the number one financial contributor to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, followed by the U.S Government with Rotary International being the third biggest contributor.

It is estimated that 20 million children would have been paralysed by polio if it wasn’t for the End Polio program.

Mike also mentioned that the de facto rulers of Afghanistan are cooperating with polio eradication efforts in that country. RI President Jennifer Jones recently received a letter from the Taliban Minister of Health, thanking Rotarians for their support. Mike added, “Rotary does not give money to any government. We give funds to World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF who work with local governments”.

In a video message the WHO Director of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, Aidan O’Leary spoke eloquently about how we are winning the fight against the polio virus. The wild polio virus has become geographically restricted to local districts rather than whole countries and there is only one genetic strain left. 2023 is the target year to interrupt transmission of the polio virus and it is likely to be achieved. “Polio is on the ropes!” he said, “but we must reach all unimmunized children. The best vaccine in the world will not work if it doesn't reach the child." He concluded his remarks by saying, “Rotarians your vision, your leadership and your unwavering commitment has brought us to the threshold of achieving a unique global public success.”

Rotary Foundation Trustee and National PolioPlus Chair Pakistan PDG Aziz Memon provided an update on the efforts being made in Pakistan to eradicate polio. He too highlighted the narrowing geographic region of wild poliovirus along the border of the two wild polio endemic countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan. He observed that that the Pakistani government was fully supportive of the GPEI’s efforts to have Pakistan declared free of polio and is providing security for vaccinators helping to vaccinate children in areas where misinformation about the vaccine has been prevalent.

Past Chair of the Rotary Foundation Brenda Cressey encouraged Rotarians, clubs, and districts to continue supporting PolioPlus financially, and by sharing the story of our polio eradication work.

Rotary International’s goal is to raise $50 million a year for polio elimination. This means that clubs need to donate $1500 per year and districts need to donate 20% of their District designated funds. As of the end of March, Rotarians had raised $31 million towards this year’s $50 million goal.

A growing way to raise funds is through the establishment of District PolioPlus Societies. Brenda Cressey is the Global PolioPlus Society Chair and reminded us that PPS is a District-led fundraising initiative whereby each District determines the amount donated to PolioPlus by individuals each year (usually US$100) to qualify for membership in the society until the certification of a polio-free world.

RI Director Jessie Harman gave the Oceania perspective on polio fundraising. She talked about the many ways that Rotary members in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Island nations fund raise to End Polio such as walks, bike rides, train rides, dinners, and even pumpkin growing competitions. The options are endless.

Jessie also discussed ways that local Rotarians advocate for the cause and have been able to maintain the support of the Australian Government. Last year the government contributed $43 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Jessie quoted Pat Conroy, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, “The Australian government is committed to investing in the eradication of this disease while investing in the long-term health of our region.”

In summary, this informative breakout session was an inspiration to Rotarians everywhere to maintain their important work to End Polio.