In a powerful demonstration of sustained global commitment, Rotary International and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have announced a renewed funding pledge of up to $450 million (approximately ₦720 billion) over the next three years to finally eradicate polio worldwide.
The announcement was made during the Rotary International Convention, where both organizations reaffirmed their determination to eliminate polio—particularly in the two remaining endemic countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
A Partnership Built on Results
As part of the partnership, Rotary International will raise $50 million annually, and the Gates Foundation will match every dollar with two additional dollars. This collaboration continues their longstanding commitment to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
“While historic progress has been made—90% of the world is now free from wild poliovirus—we’re still facing significant challenges,” said Mike McGovern, Chair of Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee. “Polio anywhere is a threat everywhere.”
The newly pledged funds will support critical components of the GPEI, including:
- Vaccine procurement and delivery
- Disease surveillance
- Outbreak response
- Community education and engagement
A Longstanding Vision for a Polio-Free World
The GPEI, launched in 1988, is a powerful alliance that includes Rotary, WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Gavi, and the Gates Foundation. Since its inception, the initiative has led to a 99.9% reduction in global polio cases—from an estimated 350,000 annually to just a handful in recent years.
“Rotary was the first to envision a world without polio,” said Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation. “If we all stay committed and continue to invest in what we know works, we can make this vision a reality.”
Emergency Action in Conflict Zones
In a display of its emergency response capabilities, Rotary allocated $500,000 in late 2024 to support a two-phase polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, following a confirmed case involving a 10-month-old child. This swift action underscores the need for vigilance, even in areas with low transmission.
A Global Effort, Powered by Local Support
Rotary’s commitment to polio eradication spans nearly four decades, with more than $2.9 billion invested globally through its PolioPlus programme. In Canada alone, Rotary members have contributed $50 million, and the Canadian government has pledged over CAD $1 billion since the campaign began.
“For 40 years, we’ve been unwavering in our mission to end polio,” said Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick. “This renewed commitment with the Gates Foundation brings us closer to a world where no family has to fear this disease again.”
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