story by: Christopher Nial - End Polio Now Coordinator, Rotary Ireland

At the 2024 Rotary International Convention in Singapore, the ongoing fight ​to eradicate polio worldwide took centre stage.

In a special session, global health leaders and Rotarians discussed the ​current state of polio eradication efforts and recognised those making ​significant contributions to this cause.

Michael K. McGovern, chair of the International PolioPlusCommittee, opened the ​session by honouring key figures in the fight against polio.

He recognised Brazilian Dr Ciro de Quadros, whose "expertise and reputation ​enabled the World Health Organisation and UNICEF to see Rotary as a credible ​organisation that could work on polio to open the doors."

Thanks partly to Dr. de Quadros' early efforts, the United States government is ​now the second largest donor to polio eradication after the Gates Foundation ​and Rotary International.

McGovern also paid tribute to past Rotary International President Herb Brown of ​Clearwater, Florida, USA, who passed away recently at age 102. Brown played a ​pivotal fundraising role in Rotary's early polio efforts in the 1980s, helping to ​dramatically exceed an initial goal of raising $120 million.

"As a result of the generosity of so many Rotarians, the goal was essentially ​doubled," McGovern recalled. 

Awards were then presented to Rotarians who contributed to polio eradication in ​the past year.

As Mary Anne Solomon, member of the International PolioPlusCommittee, ​explained: "The service awards for a polio-free world was established by the ​trustees of the Rotary Foundation to recognise outstanding contributions to polio ​eradication by Rotarians, which has occurred since November 1992." 

62 Rotarians received regional awards this year, while nine were honoured with ​international awards for their broader service.

Noteworthy recipients included Guillermo Andres, editor-in-chief of a newsletter ​reaching a global audience with polio eradication news, and Peter Teahen and ​John Ockenfels, who flew around the world in a small plane to raise awareness ​and over $1 million for the cause.

"It is notable that Peter and John personally covered the cost of the flight, and ​both have demonstrated their deep passion for ending polio," Solomon said.

Aiden O'Leary, director of polio eradication for the World Health Organization ​(WHO), provided an update on the current state of the fight against polio. While ​cases are very low, the goal remains zero, and highly sensitive environmental ​surveillance helps guide immunisation efforts.

"We listen and respond to what the virus is doing," O'Leary explained. "There are ​no surprises. We look to get ahead of the curve, not responding to what the ​cases are telling us."

Steady progress continues, with the WHO's African, Eastern Mediterranean and ​Southeast Asian regions all reporting decreases in cases.

However, challenges remain in the final endemic countries of Pakistan and ​Afghanistan and a few areas facing outbreaks. Partnerships between the polio ​program and broader health and humanitarian services are critical.

"How do we ensure that we give those extra services, that extra support essential ​to communities in need?" O'Leary asked.

Trustee Aziz Memon, chair of Pakistan's polio committee, highlighted the ​challenges and successes of efforts there. Political transitions can disrupt ​progress, and security issues hamper vaccination campaigns in border regions.

But Rotarians and partners remain deeply committed. Memon recognised a ​group of Japanese Rotarians who regularly volunteer in Pakistan, helping with ​immunisations, repairing schools, and installing water filtration plants to provide ​clean drinking water - a critical need for polio prevention.

"My friends, while we are running the last mile, while we are struggling to do ​whatever is possible, whatever needs to be done - do visit us, bring groups of ​Rotarians," Memon implored. "With your dedication, [eradication] will become ​possible, with your support."

Trustee Akira Miki shared further details on Japanese Rotarians' volunteer work ​in Pakistan, which has grown to 60 members participating in the past year. They ​administer vaccines to children in impoverished areas and at transit points like ​bus terminals.

Education is also critical, Miki noted. "While the importance of vaccines is clear, ​education is also key. Children who can read and write can obtain correct ​information to prevent disease. This will also eliminate misconception about ​vaccines."

In her fundraising update, past Trustee Chair Brenda Cressey reported that $30 ​million has been raised this Rotary year toward the $50 million annual goal, ​which activates a 2-to-1 matching donation from the Gates Foundation.

She encouraged ongoing district and individual contributions and promoted the ​PolioPlus Society for committed donors.

Cressey also urged participation in upcoming World Polio Day and World ​Immunisation Week fundraising activities. "I hope you're really excited about our ​fundraising efforts," she concluded. "Keep raising the money for the work we do ​for our number one priority. Let's eradicate polio together."

As the session closed, the consistent message was about determination, ​partnership, and hope. While obstacles remain, this global community of ​Rotarians, health organisations, and dedicated volunteers continues to make ​remarkable progress in the fight against polio.

The end may finally be in sight, but ongoing commitment is critical. In the words ​of Rotary's theme, "Together, we end polio."