Since Rotary International’s creation in the early 20th century, it has involved itself in numerous philanthropic activities. One important mission for the organization concerns the elimination of polio, and it has raised over $1.2 billion to eradicate the disease. One way it accomplishes this goal is by partnering with the 24-year-old Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
In September 2012, Rotary International announced its commitment to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative by pledging $75 million to partly cover its $945 million funding gap. Rotary International announced this plan at a September 27 event featuring United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Bill Gates, and other leaders. Due to their efforts, polio hit an all-time low in the first three-quarters of 2012, with only 140 cases reported. Also that year, the World Health Organization removed India from its polio endemic list. Today, the poliovirus is only endemic to Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
About the Author:
A graduate of St. Lawrence University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Spanish, Michael Keefe Gorman serves on the board of his local Rotary International chapter.
Michael Keefe Gorman 