‘When,’ not ‘if’: Progress continues toward ending polio

Rotary
Oct 27, 2024

‘When,’ not ‘if’: Progress continues toward ending polio


On World Polio Day, Rotary International leaders and public health experts reiterate their commitment to global eradication

Eradicating polio around the world is still an attainable goal, Rotary International President Stephanie A. Urchick and public health experts said as they commemorated World Polio Day in the city where the vaccine was developed.

“I know it is a question of when polio will be eradicated, not if,” Urchick told the audience at a livestream event on 24 October that was hosted by the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

“Our Action Plan talks about improving our impact. That’s really where our polio eradication program shines,” Urchick added. “Millions of children won’t get this crippling disease. Billions of U.S. dollars won’t be spent on ancillary health care costs as a result of this disease. We have made so much progress.”