EVANSTON, Ill., February, 23, 2021 — Over three decades into the global effort to eradicate polio, the disease has been reduced by over 99%, remaining endemic in only two countries. Now, one year into the COVID-19 pandemic with the administration of vaccines in the early stages, the fight to end polio can inform the way we tackle the coronavirus. 

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In 1988, Rotary International (RI)  and the United Nations founded the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). At the time, there were around 350,000 people around the world who were infected with this disease which can lead to paralysis or even death. Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only nations where the disease has yet to be eliminated, with COVID-19 having caused a setback in the polio vaccination efforts there. So, close to eradication, Rotary International leadership warns that ceasing work toward ridding the world of polio, now, could result in its rapid spread of up to 200,000 infections per year, within the next ten years. Further, they advise on how the successful efforts used to fight polio can be applied to the fight against COVID-19. 

“We have helped secure vaccine supply and distribution, and increased trust in vaccines among communities. In the process, we have learned many lessons on what it takes to address a public health threat and these same lessons now should be applied to the COVID-19 response, especially as vaccines are now starting to be rolled out,” said Rotary International president, Holger Knaack. 

Rotary’s advocacy has led to contributions of over $10 billion toward the effort while Rotary members, alone, have donated more than $2 billion to the cause. A total of 3 billion children across 122 countries have been protected from polio as a result. From the wealth of knowledge garnered from Rotary International’s polio eradication mission, the three lessons Knaack points to, that we can use in our attempt to stamp out coronavirus, are: 

 

• Prioritize strengthening health systems, systemically, to better aid in disease prevention.

• Elevate scientific knowledge in order to target the most effective eradication strategies and optimize implementation.

• Understand that nations cannot afford to ease up on efforts. Doing so can lead to catastrophic setbacks in progress. Double down and “finish the job.”

Rotary International is a global network of leaders and problem solvers who have united on a mission to provide service to others, promote integrity, and to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through fellowship. Rotary is dedicated to building international relationships, improving lives, establishing peace around the world, and eradicating polio. Rotary International is headquartered in Evanston, Illinois. John Hewko has served as general secretary and CEO of Rotary International since 2011. For more information, please visit rotary.org.

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Contact: Claudia Bxxxxx, claudia.bxxxxx@rotary.org

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