story by: DAVE KING

Tributes have been paid to Aidan O’Leary, the Irishman who has been ​spearheading the World Health Organization’s (WHO) campaign to end polio, ​who died suddenly last month. He was 59.

O’Leary had been in post as the WHO’s Director of Polio Eradication since 2021, ​and was a frequent speaker at Rotary conferences.

As recent as this summer, he spoke at the Rotary International Convention in ​Singapore, and presented at both the Rotary Action Summit in Manchester 12 ​months ago, as well as at a Rotary-organised event in the Houses of Parliament ​last March.

Though not a Rotarian, O’Leary had close family connections with the Rotary Club ​of Galway-Salthill.

WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus led tributes describing ​him as an “outstanding humanitarian”.

“He served tirelessly in the most difficult parts of the world, to help the most ​vulnerable populations survive and thrive and to end polio,” he said.

“He embodied the ideal of service and solidarity across peoples and borders. His ​passing is a terrible loss for WHO, for the UN and for all of humanity.”

In a statement, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) described O’Leary as ​“a true leader, inspiring us all to strive to attain a better world”.

Prior to the polio directorship, O’Leary served in humanitarian posts in Yemen, ​Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

The Dublin-born, Geneva-based O’Leary also spent time working as Deputy ​Director of Operations for UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees ​in the Near East in Gaza.

“On a personal level, Aidan was an extremely personable, open and gentle friend ​and colleague. He will be missed deeply, both on a professional and on a ​personal level,” the GPEI statement said.

The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, described O’Leary as "a wonderful ​person who dedicated his life to helping those living in the most difficult, war-​torn parts of the world".

He added: "It is with the most remote and vulnerable people on the planet that ​Aidan worked, and it is amongst those people that he will be remembered the ​most and his legacy of work most cherished.

"May I extend my deepest sympathies to Aidan’s wife Karen, to his children ​Darragh and Eimear, to his brother Art with whom I worked during his term as ​Secretary General to the President, to his sister Detective Chief Superintendent ​Jo O’Leary, and to all of his wider family, friends and colleagues who I know are ​feeling such shock at his unexpected loss."

Rotary International joined the tributes describing O’Leary as “a friend of Rotary ​and a passionate humanitarian”.

General Secretary, John Hewko added: “Aidan was a true leader who worked ​tirelessly to build a better world for all.

“He made himself available to engage with Rotary members at events both large ​and small and was known for his friendly, engaging manner and enduring ​commitment to realize the dream of a polio-free world.

“Aidan leaves a legacy of advocacy, purpose, compassion, and relentless ​dedication. Let's honour his lifetime of humanitarian service by protecting ​children everywhere from the poliovirus.”

And in a statement, Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland stated: “Aidan was a hugely ​committed humanitarian, who dedicated himself to protecting vulnerable people ​around the world.

“We were privileged to welcome him to numerous Rotary events across Great ​Britain and Ireland, where he always spoke so knowledgeably and passionately ​about our shared vision for a polio-free world.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”

Feature photo - Philip Flindt