World Polio Day was established by Rotary International over a decade ago to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis.
What is Polio?
Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of five.
Most know it as poliovirus. The virus is spread person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can attack the nervous system, and in some instances, lead to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine – one which Rotary and our partners use to immunize over 2.5 billion children worldwide.
Why end Polio?
Unless we eradicate polio, within 10 years we could see as many as 200,000 new cases each year, all over the world. The disease is endemic in only 3 countries, but unless we reach every child with the vaccine, no child anywhere is safe.
The only way to end polio is together.
Containing polio to just 3 countries is a tremendous achievement, and proof of what’s possible when we come together. Help us shine a spotlight on polio by advocating, fundraising, and educating on the need to end polio now.
World Polio Day!
3 Actions. 3 Minutes. A world of difference.
Learn
Get informed and help make polio a subject of conversation in your community.
Polio Facts
Most people have heard of polio but few know that the disease still affects children around the world. You can help by spreading the word.
Donate to End Polio
Every donation helps us obtain the vaccines, transport and materials needed in the fight against polio.
Your donation helps Rotary and its partners reach every child with the polio vaccine. Thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, your contribution will be tripled, getting us even closer to a polio-free world.
www.endpolio.org or www.rotary.org
Live Stream Event at 3:30 pdt/6:30pm EDT www.endpolio.org