By Max Amuchie
For Rotarians the world over October 24 every year is a significant day, a day set aside to mark the World Polio Day. It also serves to commemorate the birthday of Jonas Salk, the man who developed the polio vaccine. For this year District 9127 under the leadership of the District Governor, Dame (Dr) Princess Joy Nky Okoro, hosted the other five Rotary International District Governors in the country in an all-Nigeria week-long celebration that lasted from October 17 to October 25.
Rotary’s dedication to eradicating polio is one of the most significant efforts in the history of public health and it’s involvement has been a game-changer, demonstrating the power of private-sector commitment to a global health goal.
Rotary began its efforts in 1979 with a multi-year project to immunise children in the Philippines. This led to the launch of PolioPlus in 1985, which was the first and largest internationally coordinated private-sector support of any public health initiative.
In 1988, Rotary joined with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and UNICEF to launch the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation later joined as a key partner.
Rotarians worldwide have contributed over $2.9 billion and countless volunteer hours to the eradication effort. They also play a crucial role in advocating for and securing more than $11 billion in funding from donor governments.
Beyond money
For any Rotarian, the fight against polio is not just a humanitarian project—it’s a four-decade pledge that embodies the organisation’s motto of “Service Above Self.” It’s a commitment that goes far beyond financial donations, representing a unique blend of global advocacy, local action and persistent dedication until the last case of the wild poliovirus is found.
Nigeria’s Triumph: The Eradication of Wild Poliovirus
Nigeria’s success in ending wild poliovirus transmission is one of the most significant public health achievements of the 21st century. As the last country in Africa to eliminate the disease, Nigeria was certified free of wild poliovirus on August 25, 2020, an official declaration that certified the entire African region as wild polio-free.
This victory was the culmination of decades of dedicated effort, overcoming immense challenges ranging from conflict and remote geography to vaccine hesitancy.
In 2012 Nigeria accounted for roughly half of all global wild polio cases. It was a huge challenge, spurring a renewed, national priority effort.
Two years later, 2014 Nigeria was removed from the list of endemic countries and in 2016 the last case of indigenous wild poliovirus was recorded in Borno State.
Finally in 2020 Nigeria and the entire African Region got certified wild polio-free. The ultimate goal achieved achieved after meeting the stringent four-year zero-case requirement.
Nigeria’s victory proved that, with unwavering commitment and global partnership, even the most persistent and devastating public health crisis can be solved.
The Final Vow: Persistence in the Endgame
Rotarians have been fighting polio since 1979. The current stage, with the wild virus remaining endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, demands the highest level of commitment and that’s exactly what Rotary International and Rotarians the world over have given and are committed to continue giving to completely eradicate this disease.
The ‘End Polio Now’ campaign is more than just a public health initiative; it is the single greatest embodiment of Rotary International’s core values. It serves as the clearest articulation of Rotary’s commitment to placing humanitarian causes at the centre of its identity, uniting millions of members behind a singular, transformative goal: to ensure no child ever suffers from the debilitating disease again.
At its heart, the fight against polio is driven by the foundational motto: Service Above Self. This principle demands an enduring, selfless commitment that far transcends local club projects. For Rotary, this translates into mobilising over $2.6 billion, deploying countless volunteer hours, and maintaining a relentless focus across political, geographical, and logistical barriers. It is a long game—a testament to Rotary’s sustained willingness to give its resources, time, and global influence not for credit or recognition, but purely for the well-being of humanity.
The scale of the initiative also perfectly aligns with the value of Fellowship and Global Reach. Polio eradication is a multi-national partnership involving the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, the US CDC, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation but it is anchored by the diverse network of Rotary clubs. Members from over 200 countries and geographical areas have collaborated, demonstrating that differences in culture or language dissolve when faced with a shared humanitarian objective. This global fellowship transforms individual local clubs into a unified force capable of complex, worldwide coordination, illustrating the power of diverse connections focused on a single mission.
Furthermore, the Polio fight embodies Integrity and Perseverance. Eradication is a slow, difficult, and often dangerous task, requiring Rotarians and frontline workers to operate in some of the most challenging regions on Earth like in crisis-hit Northeast of Nigeria. The continuous, ethical dedication required to reach the very last child with the vaccine, year after year, reflects the integrity of the process. There is no simple reward for Rotarians, only the steadfast determination to complete what they started, thereby proving that the commitment to a promise—the promise of a polio-free world—is immutable.
Polio is Rotary’s defining mission because it synthesizes every core value into concrete, life-saving action. It is the gold standard for global volunteering, showcasing how strong leadership, integrity in action, and a unified global fellowship, all centred on “Service Above Self,” can lead to the successful pursuit of the world’s most critical humanitarian objectives. When the final case of wild polio is recorded – that is when Pakistan and Afghanistan become polio free – it will be the ultimate validation of Rotary’s enduring purpose.
Reflections
People join Rotary for a variety of reasons that most times fall into two main categories namely the opportunity for Service and the benefits of Fellowship and Personal Growth.
Rotary has two official mottos. The one commonly cited is ‘Service Above Self’. This is the principal and most famous motto. It embodies the humanitarian spirit of Rotary and its members, emphasising that the primary purpose is to volunteer and serve the needs of others. The older motto is One Profits Most Who Serves Best: This reinforces the idea that true reward comes from successful service to the community and the world.
If Rotarians live by this dual credo and apply them in their daily lives and in pursuing humanitarian causes, the society and the world will be a much better place. The fight against polio and Rotarians’ avowed commitment to ensure the total eradication of this disease can be seen in the context of the organisation’s two mottos.
•Dr Max Amuchie, a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), is the District Media Relations Chair, Rotary International District 9127
