As we approach the final stages of our decades-long fight against polio, Rotarians worldwide continue to demonstrate unwavering dedication to this crucial cause. At the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit Rotary Deputy General Secretary Michele Berg highlighted the complex challenges we face, particularly the impact of climate change on our eradication efforts.
Since 1985, when Rotary launched its PolioPlus programme, we've made remarkable progress. Today, wild poliovirus remains endemic in only two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, climate change is presenting new hurdles. Recent floods in Pakistan, for instance, displaced thousands of polio workers and created new breeding grounds for the virus. These events underscore the need for climate-resilient strategies in our fight against polio. Innovation is key to overcoming these new challenges. Our partners are implementing solutions such as solar-powered refrigerators for vaccine storage and enhanced environmental surveillance for polioviruses.
As Rotarians, we can be proud of our contributions—over $2 billion and countless volunteer hours—which have helped immunize more than 3 billion children in 122 countries. But our work is not done. We must maintain our focus and adapt to new challenges to achieve our goal of a polio-free world.Rotary's role in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) remains critical. Our focus on advocacy, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment is more important than ever. Rotarians continue to work alongside health workers in affected countries, assist with vaccine transportation, and provide crucial logistical support.