Rotary's Historic Commitment to Eradicating Polio
For decades, Rotary International has been at the forefront of the global effort to eradicate polio. Through its End Polio Now campaign, Rotary has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and national governments to vaccinate children in every corner of the world.
In India, Rotary clubs across the country — including those in Rotary International District CMR — have been active participants in Pulse Polio immunisation drives, mobilising volunteers, raising awareness, and supporting health authorities in reaching every child under five years of age.
What Is a Pulse Polio Drive?
Pulse Polio is the national immunisation initiative of the Government of India to administer oral polio vaccine (OPV) to all children below five years on designated National Immunisation Days (NIDs). The initiative aims to achieve 100% coverage, particularly in high-risk areas.
On these days, vaccination booths are set up across cities, towns, and villages, and mobile teams travel to remote areas, transit points, and migrant settlements to ensure no child is missed.
How Rotary Clubs Contribute
- Booth Management: Club members volunteer at designated vaccination booths to assist health workers and manage queues.
- Mobile Teams: Rotarians join mobile vaccination teams that visit door-to-door in underserved neighbourhoods.
- Awareness Campaigns: Clubs conduct information drives to educate parents about the importance of vaccination and dispel myths.
- Refreshments for Volunteers: Many clubs provide refreshments and support to government health workers on drive days.
- Transit Point Coverage: Bus stands, railway stations, and highway checkpoints are covered to immunise children of migrant families.
India's Polio-Free Status and Why It Must Be Protected
India was officially certified polio-free in 2014 — a landmark achievement in global public health. However, continued vigilance is essential. As long as poliovirus exists anywhere in the world, the risk of importation and outbreak remains.
This is why Rotary clubs continue to support vaccination drives even after polio eradication — to maintain the immunity levels needed to protect the population and prevent any resurgence.
End Polio Now: The Global Campaign
Rotary's End Polio Now campaign has several pillars:
- Fundraising: Rotary raises funds to support polio vaccination globally, with matching contributions from the Gates Foundation amplifying every rupee raised.
- Advocacy: Rotarians lobby governments to maintain funding and commitment to immunisation programs.
- Volunteer Mobilisation: Millions of Rotarian volunteer hours go into supporting vaccination drives worldwide.
- Public Awareness: Campaigns through social media, events, and local media keep the issue visible.
How Your Club Can Get Involved
Participating in a Pulse Polio drive is one of the most straightforward and rewarding service activities a Rotary club can undertake. Contact your local health department to register as a volunteer organisation, coordinate with your club president and service committee, and ensure members are briefed on their roles ahead of the National Immunisation Day.
Every child vaccinated is a step closer to a polio-free world — and Rotary has committed to seeing that goal through to the end.