October 24th is World Polio Day. A day to take stock of the battle against polio. This year a milestone was reached when Nigeria had no cases of polio and Rotary International was able to declare that the entire continent of Africa was “polio free”. This leaves only two countries where polio has not been completely eradicated: Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Rotary International has contributed $2.1 billion dollars towards polio eradication since it launched the Polio Plus program in 1985. It is currently committing to raise $50 million in the fight knowing that it will receive a 2:1 match from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (i.e. a total of $150 million per year). The end is in sight for RI’s promise that no child will suffer the devastating effects of polio.