Each year on 24th October, Rotary and Rotaract Clubs and members around the world join with partners, health organisations and public health advocates to mark and recognise World Polio Day.

The Disease : Poliomyelitis is a highly  infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5.  Most known 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.

SOME FACTS

• Polio mainly affects children under age 5
• There is no cure, but polio is preventable with a vaccine
• Only two countries remain endemic
• We have reduced cases by 99.9% since 1988
• Until we end polio forever, every child is at risk

WHO IS AFFECTED

Unless we eradicate polio within 10 years as many as 200,000 new cases could occur around the world each year.

The only way to end polio is together.  Containing Polio to just 2 countries is a tremendous achievement, and proof of what’s possible when we come together.  Help us shine a spotlight on Polio by advocating and educating on the need to END POLIO NOW.  Wear PURPLE 4 POLIO on  24th October, 2025.