The Rotary Foundation · End Polio Now
We Are This Close to Ending Polio
Rotary made a promise to the children of the world: we will end polio. Through PolioPlus, District 5330 Rotarians help fund vaccines, transportation, surveillance, and the final push toward a polio-free world.
What is PolioPlus?
PolioPlus is Rotary’s signature initiative to eradicate polio worldwide. Rotary launched PolioPlus in 1985 and became a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988. Since then, Rotary and its partners have helped reduce polio cases by more than 99.9%. Donations to the PolioPlus Fund help provide vaccines, transportation, materials, surveillance, and outbreak response so health workers can reach every child.
Why “Plus”?
When Rotary launched PolioPlus in 1985, the “plus” signaled the belief that the polio eradication effort would increase immunizations against five other diseases prevalent in children: measles, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus. As time went on, the list of benefits grew — polio immunization campaigns created an avenue for other lifesaving health interventions, such as the distribution of vitamin A supplements.
New equipment for transporting and storing vaccines made it easier to combat infectious diseases in developing areas. The enormous network of laboratories and health clinics charged with identifying new cases of polio began to monitor the spread of other viruses as well. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which Rotary helped create, rose to international prominence as a model for public-private partnerships to address world health issues.
The “plus” in PolioPlus means that Rotarians are doing more than stopping the spread of polio — they are building a legacy of infrastructure and partnerships that will support the fight against infectious disease long after polio is gone.
Rotary’s work is not finished
Polio cases have been reduced by more than 99.9%, but as long as polio exists anywhere, children everywhere remain at risk. Continued support is needed to fund vaccinations, monitor outbreaks, and protect the progress already made.
99.9%
Reduction in cases
Polio cases have dropped by more than 99.9% since the global eradication effort began.
3 Billion
Children protected
Billions of children have been vaccinated against polio through the global campaign.
2
The final push
Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only countries where wild polio is still endemic.
How donations help
Every gift to the PolioPlus Fund goes to work reaching children with vaccines and protecting the progress already made.
Vaccines
Helps purchase and deliver polio vaccines to children.
Transportation
Helps health workers reach families in remote or hard-to-access communities.
Surveillance
Helps monitor for polio cases and detect outbreaks quickly.
Outbreak Response
Helps Rotary and its partners respond quickly when new cases are reported.
Ways to support PolioPlus
Give once, make an ongoing pledge, or bring the whole family — pets included — into Rotary’s promise to end polio.
Give to PolioPlus
Rotarians and friends of Rotary can make one-time or recurring gifts to the PolioPlus Fund. Gifts support Rotary’s global commitment to end polio and may also qualify for Foundation recognition. Donate while logged in to My Rotary so your gift is credited to you.
Join the PolioPlus Society
The PolioPlus Society recognizes Rotarians and friends of Rotary who make an ongoing annual commitment of at least $100 per year to the PolioPlus Fund until the world is declared polio-free. To enroll or learn about District 5330 recognition, contact our District PolioPlus Chair.
Join the Kennel Klub
A fun extension of the PolioPlus Society for pet lovers. The Kennel Klub was inspired by Mollie, the dog of Past District Governor Greg Owen and Valerie Owen, who “gave up” $10 of treats each month for End Polio Now.
- Commit to $10/month or $100/year to PolioPlus until the world is polio-free.
- Make your gift to the PolioPlus Fund (log in to My Rotary for recognition).
- Complete the Kennel Klub membership form — your pet gets a bandana and a Klub pin!
Helping end polio — one paw at a time.
Meet the pets helping end polio
District 5330 Rotarians know that service can include the whole family — even our four-legged friends. The Kennel Klub is a fun way to raise awareness, encourage recurring giving, and bring new energy to Rotary’s promise to end polio. Is your pet a member? Send us a photo and we’ll add them here.
Kennel Klub Member
District 5330
Sporting the colors for End Polio Now.
Kennel Klub Member
District 5330
Giving up treats to help End Polio Now.
Kennel Klub Member
District 5330
A proud Kennel Klub member.
Kennel Klub Member
District 5330
Every paw counts toward a polio-free world.
World Polio Day
Every year on World Polio Day, Rotary clubs around the world raise awareness and funds for polio eradication. District 5330 clubs can host events, share End Polio Now resources, invite speakers, light up landmarks, organize fundraisers, or feature Kennel Klub pets online.
Club PolioPlus toolkit
Resources to help your club give, raise awareness, and run a World Polio Day event.
Frequently asked questions
What is PolioPlus?
PolioPlus is Rotary’s global initiative to eradicate polio. It funds vaccines, transportation, materials, surveillance, and outbreak response so health workers can reach every child.
Why do we still need to raise money for polio?
Because polio has not yet been fully eradicated. Cases are down more than 99.9%, but until transmission is stopped everywhere, children everywhere remain at risk.
What is the PolioPlus Society?
It recognizes Rotarians and friends of Rotary who make an ongoing annual commitment — typically at least $100 per year — to support the PolioPlus Fund until the world is declared polio-free.
What is the PolioPlus Kennel Klub?
A fun extension of PolioPlus giving that lets pet lovers and their pets support End Polio Now. It was inspired by Mollie, a Past District Governor’s dog who gave up $10 of treats each month for the cause.
How much does it cost to join the Kennel Klub?
The common commitment is $10 per month or $100 per year to PolioPlus. Join at rotaryppskennelklub.org, and contact our District PolioPlus Chair if you have questions.
Can cats (and other pets) join?
Absolutely. Dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, lizards — any beloved pet is welcome. Even though it’s called the “Kennel Klub,” the spirit is pet lovers supporting End Polio Now.
Does my donation count toward Rotary Foundation recognition?
Generally, PolioPlus gifts are Foundation gifts. To make sure you receive proper recognition credit, donate while logged in to My Rotary.
How can I join a National Immunization Day (NID) trip?
Many District 5330 Rotarians have traveled to immunize children against polio. To learn about upcoming NID trips, email polioplus@rotary.org or contact our District PolioPlus Chair, Marilyn Sanderson, who can connect you with Rotarians who have taken part. The global NID calendar is available at polioeradication.org.
Help District 5330 keep Rotary’s promise
Every gift to PolioPlus brings us closer to a world where no child will ever again be paralyzed by polio. Whether you give personally, join the PolioPlus Society, enroll your pet in the Kennel Klub, or lead a club fundraiser, you are part of Rotary’s historic effort to End Polio Now.