By Christopher Nial, Rotary Club of Wexford, District 116 PolioPlus and Foundation chair

I recently had the privilege of attending the 2024 Rotary International Convention in Singapore, where the ongoing fight to eradicate polio worldwide took center stage. As a Rotarian deeply committed to this cause, it was inspiring to see global health leaders and fellow Rotarians come together to discuss the current state of polio eradication efforts and recognise those making significant contributions.

During a special session, I listened intently as Michael K. McGovern, chair of the International PolioPlus Committee, honored key figures in the fight against polio. He recognized Brazilian Dr Ciro de Quadros, whose early efforts helped establish Rotary as a credible partner to the World Health Organisation and UNICEF. Thanks partly to Dr. de Quadros, the United States government is now the second largest donor to polio eradication after the Gates Foundation and Rotary International.  

I was moved as McGovern paid tribute to past Rotary International President Herb Brown, who recently passed away. Brown played a pivotal fundraising role in Rotary’s early polio efforts in the 1980s, helping to dramatically exceed an initial goal. The generosity of Rotarians like Brown is truly remarkable.

As awards were presented to Rotarians for their outstanding contributions to polio eradication in the past year, I marveled at their dedication. From newsletter editors raising awareness to pilots flying around the world for the cause, the passion of these Rotarians is unmatched. It was particularly noteworthy to learn that the pilots, Peter Teahen and John Ockenfels, personally covered the cost of their awareness-raising flight.

Hearing from Aidan O’Leary, director of polio eradication for the World Health Organization (WHO), provided valuable insight into the current state of the fight. While cases are very low, challenges remain in the final endemic countries and a few outbreak areas. I was struck by O’Leary’s emphasis on the importance of partnerships between the polio program and broader health and humanitarian services to support communities in need.

As a Rotarian, I was especially moved by the words of Trustee Aziz Memon, chair of Pakistan’s polio committee. Despite political transitions and security issues hampering vaccination campaigns in border regions, Memon and his fellow Rotarians remain deeply committed. I was inspired to learn about a group of Japanese Rotarians who regularly volunteer in Pakistan, not only helping with immunizations but also repairing schools and installing water filtration plants. Memon’s plea for more Rotarians to visit and support these efforts resonated deeply with me.

Trustee Akira Miki shared further details on the incredible volunteer work of Japanese Rotarians in Pakistan. Their dedication to administering vaccines in impoverished areas and at transit points is remarkable. I was particularly struck by Miki’s emphasis on the importance of education alongside vaccination efforts, empowering children with the knowledge to prevent disease and eliminate misconceptions.

In her fundraising update, past Trustee Chair Brenda Cressey reported on the progress toward Rotary’s annual goal, which activates a generous matching donation from the Gates Foundation. Her encouragement for ongoing contributions and promotion of the PolioPlus Society left me feeling motivated to do more. I left the session excited to participate in upcoming World Polio Day and World Immunization Week fundraising activities.

As I reflect on this powerful convention session, I am filled with a sense of determination, partnership, and hope. While obstacles remain in the fight against polio, I am confident that this global community of Rotarians, health organizations, and dedicated volunteers will continue to make remarkable progress. The end may finally be in sight, but our ongoing commitment is critical. In the words of Rotary’s theme, “Together, we end polio.” I am proud to be part of this effort.

I uploaded this video on Vimeo of the Singapore delegation shouting “Together, we end polio.”