"Rotary was the first to envision a world without polio—and today, we have the tools and knowledge to make that vision a reality,” said Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation. “If we all maintain our commitment and keep funding the solutions we know work, then soon, no family will have to live in fear of this horrific disease ever again."
Thanks to Rotary, many people have not had any experience with polio.
So, what is polio?
Polio is a highly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under age 5. The virus is spread person to person, typically through contaminated water. In its most severe form, polio can lead to paralysis. Anyone who hasn't been vaccinated is at risk of getting the disease.
Before a polio vaccine became available, several polio epidemics occurred between 1948 and 1955. Dr. Jonas E. Salk and colleagues researched and developed a polio vaccine introduced to the world in 1955. An oral vaccine was developed in 1960 by Dr. Albert Sabin.
Cases due to wild poliovirus have decreased by over 99.9% since 1988, from an estimated 350,000 cases in more than 125 countries, to just 21 cases in two endemic countries in 2025. There is no cure for polio, however 2.5 billion children have been safely vaccinated and protected worldwide.
As long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of contracting polio. Failure to eradicate polio from these last remaining strongholds could result in a global resurgence of the disease. Let’s work together to End Polio Now!
Join us in La Crosse at The Blue Zone on October 23rd from 5 to 9pm for the 2nd annual Pickleball for Polio. Pickleball for Polio | Rotary Club of La Crosse Five clubs in District 6250 worked together to create this event which raised over $10,000 in the inaugural year. Any funds raised to End Polio are matched 2:1 by The Gates Foundation.
World Polio Day is on October 24th. How will your club make an impact?
Visit https://www.endpolio.org/ for more information.