Welcome to Rotary District 3131

Polio Plus



Rotary has been working towards the eradication of Polio since 1979. Launched in 1985, Polio Plus is Rotary's massive effort to eradicate Poliomyelitis from the world. The program was launched with fund-raising as a primary focus. The original goal was to raise $120 million. In reality, by 2020 Rotarians of the world have raised more than 1.8 billion dollars. These funds have enabled The Rotary Foundation to make grants for supply of vaccine to many developing countries and to improve vaccine quality. Achieving complete eradication is a huge challenge. It requires continuing immunization of children worldwide, systematic reporting of all suspected cases, community-wide vaccination to contain outbreaks of the disease, and an establishment of laboratory networks. Rotary has rolled out Polio Plus program in partnership with national governments, the World Health Organization, UNICEF and others. Rotary's "people power" gives us a special "hands on" role. Rotarians have contributed countless volunteer hours to immunize more than 250 crore children in 122 countries. The world has become 99.9 percent polio free now and our goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever.

It is noteworthy that all the clubs in District 3131 participate in the Polio vaccination drive and also donate generously for the cause. On the Government designated days the clubs work hand in hand with the local municipal bodies to vaccinate children below the age of 5. Several clubs set up centres near bus stands, market area and slums to ensure parents do not have to travel to centres to get their wards vaccinated against the dreaded disease.