The Disease
Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5.
Most know it as poliovirus. The virus is spread person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can attack the nervous system, and in some instances, lead to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine – one which Rotary and our partners use to immunize over 2.5 billion children worldwide.
The world’s progress in fighting polio might be one of the best-kept secrets in global health.
Bill Gates, Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The Facts
1
Polio mainly affects children under age 5.
2
There is no cure, but polio is preventable with a vaccine.
3
Only three countries remain endemic.
4
We’ve reduced cases by 99.9% since 1988.
Until we end polio forever, every child is at risk.
Who is Affected?
Unless we eradicate polio, within 10 years, as many as 200,000 new cases could occur around the world each year. In the past few years, only two countries have reported cases of polio caused by the wild virus, but no child anywhere is safe until we’ve vaccinated every child.
How Can You Help?
Rotary is working to raise funds in the fight against polio. Ask a Rotary Member how you can donate today or donate at https://www.endpolio.org/donate.