India has not reported a polio case since 2011, thanks largely in part to massive vaccination and surveillance campaigns that led to the country being officially certified polio-free in 2014. Subnational Immunizations Days continue in order keep India polio-free. For the first time, Rotary International staff members worked alongside health workers and volunteers in the field to help with polio eradication efforts. Read one staffer’s experience and see the many images that were captured of this once-in-a-lifetime journey. 

Have you experienced the newly updated End Polio Now website? It’s been completely revamped to include vibrant images, improved navigation, and, thanks to your feedback, an enhanced Resource Center. Get the latest polio news; download tools to help you advocate, fundraise, and educate about polio eradication; and make a contribution at the new EndPolio.org.

Canadian Joel Dzuba credits his Rotary Youth Exchange year in Lower Saxony, Germany, with inspiring him to pursue a career in International Affairs and Policy. Says Dzuba, “my exchange year played a fundamental role in forming and shaping the person I am today.” Read more of Dzuba’s story.

In November 2016, the Miles to End Polio team, which included staffers from Rotary International, including General Secretary John Hewko, joined Rotarians from District 5500 and around the world, to bike up to 104 miles in the El Tour de Tucson bike race in Arizona, USA. Their hard work raised more than $3.7 million -- 11 percent more than their initial fundraising goal. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation tripled that donation, making the total raised for polio eradication efforts $11.3 million.

See pictures from the 2016 Ride to End Polio.