Rotary & Polio
Where We Stand in 2025
- Wild Poliovirus remains endemic in only 2 countries: Afghanistan & Pakistan.
- Global cases are at historic lows — over 99% reduction since Rotary launched PolioPlus in 1985.
- Most of the world remains polio-free, but surveillance still detects the virus in environmental samples in a few high-risk areas.
- Outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) continue in under-immunized regions, especially parts of Africa.
Recent Progress
- Multiple outbreak zones were closed in 2024–2025 due to rapid response campaigns.
- New funding pledges (Rotary + Gates Foundation + global partners) strengthen eradication efforts.
- Access and security improvements in parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan have increased the number of children reached.
- New oral vaccines (nOPV2) are reducing vaccine-derived outbreaks.
Ongoing Challenges
- Conflict, migration, and instability can block vaccinators from reaching children.
- Declining global immunization rates in some countries raise the risk of future outbreaks.
- A $1.7 billion funding gap threatens global eradication efforts unless new commitments are secured.
- Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy remain obstacles in some communities.
Rotary’s Role — What PolioPlus Provides
- Vaccinators & health workers supported through Rotary grants.
- Disease surveillance systems (lab testing, sewage monitoring, outbreak response).
- Cold-chain equipment and logistics for safe vaccine delivery.
- Community mobilization and education to build trust in vaccination.
- Rapid response teams for new cases or outbreaks.
Key Points
- Polio is almost gone — but not gone yet.
- If we stop now, polio could return to 200,000+ cases/year within a decade.
- Every Rotary club plays a role: education, fundraising, advocacy, and public awareness.
- Every $1 donated to PolioPlus becomes $3 thanks to the Rotary–Gates Foundation match