Since 1985, Rotary’s key humanitarian priority has been the global eradication of polio.
Over the last 36 years, Rotary members, working with communities around the world, have contributed more than US$2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours in aid of eliminating the virus.
October the 24th marked World Polio Day, giving Rotary and it’s partners around the world the opportunity to raise awareness of the fight against polio and nobody disappointed. This is a collection of the best international World Polio Day activities.
World Polio Day 2021 Global Update
Rotary International released their global update on the progress in the fight against polio through a series of videos now available to watch on their YouTube channel.
The organisations of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative
Inspired in part by Rotary’s volunteer commitment and fundraising success, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was launched in 1988. This amazing partnership has helped save the lives of more than 1.5 million people who would have otherwise died of polio since the partnership began. Here is what each member of the initiative had to say on World Polio Day.
UNICEF
UNICEF works on a variety of issues in over 190 countries to help change the lives of children and young people for the better. They help vaccinate over 400 million children against polio each year.
This World Polio Day, we are closer than ever to a world without polio.
UNICEF supplies over 1 billion doses of polio vaccines every year so that every child is immunized to #EndPolio. https://t.co/vuSGOwko2M pic.twitter.com/kD3AxMvn26
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) October 24, 2021
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are committed to tackling poverty, disease, and inequity around the world and have been constantly committed in supporting Rotary in the fight against polio.
A polio-free world is possible, but only if everyone works together. This #WorldPolioDay, we’re proud to continue working with @Rotary to @EndPolioNow by matching Rotary's annual $50m commitment to #EndPolio 2-to-1: https://t.co/lWlWEEFxDP. https://t.co/Jlw3vTIrVL
— Gates Foundation (@gatesfoundation) October 24, 2021
The world needs heroes like Shumaila Rehmani. I’m inspired by the impact she’s making in her community to save lives and help #EndPolio. https://t.co/l1S88506Cm
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) October 23, 2021
One of the @gatesfoundation’s top priorities is to #EndPolio—and women health workers are key to making it happen. #WorldPolioDay https://t.co/VAJFQ4Q5Jl
— Melinda French Gates (@melindagates) October 24, 2021
World Health Organisation (WHO)
The World Health Organisation shared a short video as well as an informative thread on how much progress has been made and what still needs to be achieved in the fight against polio.
https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1452103567930691587
Gavi
Gavi shared an inspiring story about para-badminton world champion Anand Kumar, who was diagnosed with polio when he was a toddler.
After battling polio as a child, Anand Kumar wasn't billed for sporting stardom from the start, but he has fought his way to the top as a para-badminton world star. Watch this video to learn more about his inspirational journey: https://t.co/YUf1paIJqf #EndPolio
— Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (@gavi) October 24, 2021
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC posted a breakdown of what effects polio has on children infected with the virus.
9 in every 200 children infected with poliovirus will suffer serious complications. The best protection against infection and spread of poliovirus is to be fully vaccinated. #WorldPolioDay #EndPolio pic.twitter.com/Knn2NGs0gN
— CDC Global Health (@CDCGlobal) October 24, 2021
Rotarians across the world!
From all corners of the world, Rotarians turned out in style to mark World Polio Day. Whether they were walking, cycling or dancing, everyone who took part and raised awareness proved themselves a person of action.
https://twitter.com/Rotary/status/1452305011246047236
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVZ0-xhAJ_Q/
Just a few more days left to get your drink on for a good cause! Stop by #TwistedHippo Brewery and mention 'Pints For Polio.' Let's work to eradicate #polio now. pic.twitter.com/mLkcusawvv
— Rotary Club of Chicago Lakeview (@LakeviewRotary) October 21, 2021
We stand against Polio**
Do you??#worldPolioDay2021 pic.twitter.com/W2tRe3fG1e— Rotary club of Kampala Muyenga Breeze (@MuyengaBreeze) October 24, 2021
Remember to pick up your Purple Pinkie Donuts at @DunkinDonuts tomorrow in support of @EndPolioNow pic.twitter.com/MpyoGxlu2z
— Rotary District 6760 (@Rotary6760) October 20, 2021
https://twitter.com/Rotaract250/status/1452157039271104516
Area 1 Group 1, We are One!
In celebration of the World Polio Day, the group conducted a motorcade to celebrate this important day as we continue the fight against polio. pic.twitter.com/sDh5uwoCzU
— Rotary San Pedro Magic (@RCSanPedroMagic) October 25, 2021
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVYe47egpmu/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVcQ2ZsI9pp/
We planned & we did! We were out early! The "Polio Ride of Honour" rode out of Manor Park, on Saturday, Nov 07, 2020 at 6:30 a.m. 10 cyclists, support vehicles, 2 JCF out-riders & RCOMP participated in the ride. @RotaryManor #doingRotarydifferently!#PeopleOfAction#MyEndPolio pic.twitter.com/dthjrx8jpb
— Rotary of Manor Park (@RotaryManor) November 10, 2020
Realizamos una Caminata en el RĂo Cuchujaqui en el sur de Sonora. Estamos a un paso de erradicar la Polio del Mundo @rotarydistr4100 @RotaryES @Rotary #EndPolioNow @EndPolioNow pic.twitter.com/go3l5tsLTp
— ismael gonzalez (@ismigonzalez) October 24, 2021
Un mundo libre de polio es posible, pero sĂłlo podremos alcanzarlo si tomamos acciĂłn juntos. Unámonos a @Rotary este #DĂaMundialcontralaPolio para poner fin a esta paralizante enfermedad. https://t.co/VFQvo1SZqG #BancoAtlántida #ImaginaCreeTriunfa pic.twitter.com/P5GKnHYXMa
— Banco Atlántida (@bancatlan) October 24, 2021
On the Eve of World Polio Day,Rotaract Club of Basanta Academy Berhampur and Rotary Club of Berhampur jointly organised a bike rally for polio awareness.@EndPolioNow @JenJonesRotary @Shekhar_Rotary @Rotary @RSA_MDIO @rotaract pic.twitter.com/ewj5GRYVJK
— Rotaract3262,Odisha,India (@rotaract3262) October 24, 2021
What do you do when on field mission for rights & choice for women and girls in Sarh (South Chad) @Rotary is celebrating with partners elimination of polio? You join, and represent @OnuTchad. It is one @GlobalGoalsUN, & polio women survivors should not be left behind @WHO @UNFPA pic.twitter.com/feUrtiPRWN
— Sennen Hounton (@SennenHounton) October 23, 2021
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVcDQOaAFk4/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVKK5yTB38E/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVZnp1LvaVx/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVcmg0IKbEa/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVYL17xgEke/
Feature image courtesy of Rotary San Pedro Magic.
