End Polio Now

PolioPlus was born when Dr. Sabin, one of the developers of the immunization, suggested to Carlos Consejo, Mexico’s Minister of Health and later President of Rotary International, that Rotary could help distribute the vaccine around the world. 

RCB member Dr. Leslie S. Wright was asked to become the Rotary International Chairman for the eradication of polio world-wide, with a charge of raising $120,000,000 for the program. Dr. Wright traveled the world promoting PolioPlus, and exceeded expectations by raising double the amount of the goal. Dr. Wright received the Citation for Meritorious Services from the Rotary International Foundation, Rotary’s highest award, for his efforts.

Rotarians, in conjunction with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, continue to work to completely eradicate Polio in three remaining countries: Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan. RCB volunteers continue to travel abroad to participate in ongoing vaccination efforts.