Few global initiatives in history have demonstrated the same level of dedication, coordination, and compassion as Rotary International’s fight to eradicate polio. For more than 35 years, Rotarians worldwide—including members of the Rotary Club of Hamilton—have worked tirelessly toward one of humanity’s greatest public health goals: a world completely free of polio.
Polio, once a paralyzing and deadly disease affecting hundreds of thousands of children every year, is now on the verge of eradication thanks to Rotary’s unwavering commitment. From the streets of Hamilton, Ontario, to remote villages in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Rotary’s mission has united nations, governments, and volunteers in a shared humanitarian purpose.
This is not just a campaign—it’s history in motion. And Hamilton continues to play its part.
How the Fight Began
In 1979, Rotary launched a modest vaccination project in the Philippines. That local initiative sparked what would become the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), officially founded in 1988 by Rotary International, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and later, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
At the time, polio paralyzed more than 350,000 children every year across 125 countries. Today, that number has been reduced by over 99.9%—a scientific and humanitarian triumph made possible by Rotary’s global leadership.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton, like thousands of clubs worldwide, has been an active participant since the beginning—raising funds, spreading awareness, and supporting vaccination drives that have reached over 2.5 billion children.
Rotary’s vision was bold: to eliminate the disease entirely, not just control it. That dream is now within reach.
The Role of Hamilton Rotarians
Here in Hamilton, Ontario, local Rotarians contribute to the fight through community fundraising, advocacy, and public education. The Club participates annually in World Polio Day, held every October 24th, to celebrate progress and renew the call for continued action.
Funds raised in Hamilton are combined with contributions from clubs across the globe and matched 2-to-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, amplifying every dollar donated. Even small community events—such as Rotary luncheons, charity walks, and awareness campaigns—help vaccinate thousands of children abroad.
Each Hamilton member’s effort represents a link in the global chain of compassion connecting cities and villages worldwide. The message is clear: no contribution is too small when the goal is to make history.
Why the Fight Isn’t Over Yet
Although global cases have dropped by nearly 100%, the fight is not yet won. Polio remains endemic in only two countries—Afghanistan and Pakistan—but until transmission stops completely, every nation remains at risk.
Rotary continues to fund surveillance, immunization, and rapid response programs to ensure the disease cannot return. The logistics are immense: reaching remote communities by foot, boat, or even camel to deliver vaccines.
Rotary members—alongside healthcare workers—serve on the frontlines, ensuring that no child is left unprotected. Their work is not glamorous, but it is life-saving.
Hamilton Rotarians know that persistence is key. Just as the Club has supported local causes for over a century, it remains steadfast in supporting a cause that affects the entire world.
The Human Face of Rotary’s Mission
Behind every statistic lies a story. The story of a child who will never experience paralysis, a family spared from fear, and a generation that can grow up free from polio’s devastating effects.
For Rotarians, these stories are the true measure of success. Each vaccination delivered represents hope, equity, and global solidarity. In Hamilton, members often describe their participation in the End Polio Now campaign as one of the most meaningful aspects of their Rotary service—proof that collective compassion can change the course of history.
The campaign also highlights Rotary’s identity as a bridge between local service and international impact. The same members who help feed families in Gore Park are part of a worldwide movement saving lives on another continent.
A Global Legacy of Hope
Rotary’s fight against polio has transformed more than just healthcare—it has created a blueprint for global cooperation. The infrastructure built for polio eradication now supports responses to other diseases like measles and COVID-19.
Through determination and innovation, Rotary has shown that collaboration between governments, NGOs, and volunteers can achieve what once seemed impossible. When the final case of polio is recorded, Rotary will have done more than eradicate a disease—it will have proven that humanity can unite for a common good.
And when that day comes, Hamilton will proudly stand as part of the legacy that made it possible.
Join the Final Push
The end of polio is in sight, but Rotary needs help to cross the finish line. Continued funding and awareness are vital to sustaining vaccination programs and preventing resurgence.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton invites community members, local businesses, and partners to join this historic cause. Every dollar contributes directly to saving lives and ensuring that future generations live in a polio-free world.
To learn more about Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign or to get involved, visit https://rotaryclubhamilton.ca. Together, we can finish the fight—and make polio a disease of the past.