Rotary International and UNICEF: Partnering to End Polio

Rotary has been a leader in the fight to eradicate polio

Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.4 million business, professional and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. 

Since UNICEF and Rotary began their partnership in 1988, both organizations, as members of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), have played a fundamental role in dramatically decreasing the number of polio-endemic countries. Rotary’s advocacy, fundraising and community mobilization of members in 200 countries have made possible the immunization of 3 billion children, and cases have decreased globally by an astonishing 99.9 percent. Widespread vaccination has prevented an estimated 650,000 cases of paralysis every year and saved up to 60,000 children’s lives. Today, wild poliovirus is found in only two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Rotary helps fund critical elements of UNICEF’s polio eradication programs, such as national immunization days, polio vaccine delivery and health worker training. Rotary’s global reach is on par with UNICEF’s own. Its network of volunteers has worked with UNICEF in the field to ensure that even the hardest-to-reach children are immunized. 

Rotary’s steadfast generosity also boosts UNICEF’s vaccine procurement and distribution operations and complements Community Health Workers' (CHW) training and outreach efforts.  These community mobilizers dispel misinformation and gain the trust of parents and caregivers to vaccinate their children.

Local Rotary clubs

There are 35,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious and open to all cultures, races and creeds. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace and throughout the world.

Learn more about how UNICEF and civil society groups work together to create better futures for children.