Rotary members in Andalusia are among millions reaching out on World Polio Day to raise awareness, funds and support to end polio – a vaccine preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today.

Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to just 22 cases in 2017. Today, there are only three countries that have never stopped transmission of the wild poliovirus: Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan.

To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, Rotary has committed to raising $50 million per year in support of global polio eradication efforts. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match Rotary’s commitment with $2 for every $1 Rotary raises. Donations can be made at  endpolio.org/donate.

Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk.

Rotary has contributed more than $1.8 billion to ending polio since 1985. The Andalusia Rotary Club contributes to this effort each year.

Visit endpolio.org for more about Rotary and its efforts to eradicate polio.