Renewing our commitment to a polio-free world

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OPINION

By Immy Nakyeyune

As the world marks World Polio Day on October 24, 2025, Rotarians and partners across the globe will once again reaffirm their commitment to creating a polio-free world. This day also celebrates Rotary International’s leadership in the global fight against polio, a cause it has championed since 1985 through the PolioPlus Programme.

Perhaps many Ugandans today do not pay much attention to this commemoration, largely because Uganda was declared polio-free in 2020. I vividly recall growing up and seeing an iconic image of His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni kicking a ball in celebration of Uganda’s success in eradicating the disease. That achievement was not by chance; it was the result of massive nationwide immunisation campaigns, strong political will, and dedicated community mobilisation.

Today, only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, continue to report cases of wild poliovirus. The persistence of the virus in these regions is mainly due to ongoing conflict and limited access to health and immunisation services. Yet, research shows that immunisation against polio provides up to 90% protection from infection, highlighting why vaccination remains our strongest weapon.

How polio spreads

Polio spreads mainly through the faecal-oral route when the virus passes from one person’s stool into another person’s mouth, often because of poor sanitation and hygiene. During our recent Rotary Polio Immunisation Drive in the Pajaba Industrial Area slum, I witnessed firsthand how easily the virus could spread among children under five who live in densely populated areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

Rotary’s enduring role

Since the inception of PolioPlus, Rotary has contributed over USD 2.7 billion and countless volunteer hours toward ending polio. Rotary clubs, including my own, the Rotary Club of Uptown Kampala, continue to play a vital role in raising awareness, supporting immunisation campaigns and mobilising communities to vaccinate every child.

In commemoration of World Polio Day, our club, in partnership with Vine General Medicare, conducted a Polio Vaccination Drive in Pajaba Industrial Area. Over 102 community members, including children under five, received life-saving vaccines. The outreach also provided yellow fever, tetanus, and HPV vaccinations, along with Vitamin A supplements, deworming, and family planning services.

We are not yet done

While 99.9% of the world is now polio-free, the final 0.1% remains the hardest to conquer. As long as the poliovirus exists anywhere, children everywhere remain at risk. Recent alerts in South Sudan remind us how quickly the virus can resurface. Those who live with disabilities caused by polio continue to remind us of the lasting impact of this preventable disease.

How you can help

Everyone has a role to play in ensuring we cross the finish line.

• Participate in local and national vaccination campaigns.
• Spread accurate information about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
• Partner with Rotary clubs, government agencies, and health facilities to reach underserved communities.
• Donate to support global eradication efforts through trf.rotaryd9213.org. Every dollar you give is tripled by the Gates Foundation, magnifying your impact.

Together, we can finish the fight and ensure that no child, anywhere, ever suffers from polio again.

The writer is Charter President, Rotary Club of Uptown Kampala