Polio has long been one of the most feared diseases in human history—a virus known for its crippling and life-altering impact. For much of the 20th century, it paralyzed hundreds of thousands of children each year, leaving families and communities devastated. But the world did not stand still in the face of this threat. In the 1970s, a global immunization campaign began, marking a turning point in humanity’s fight against this paralyzing disease.
In 1985, Rotary International launched a bold global effort to immunize the world’s children against polio, igniting what would become one of the largest public health collaborations in history. Three years later, this vision expanded through the establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a partnership led by Rotary International, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and later joined by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
When GPEI began in 1988, polio was paralyzing more than 1,000 children every single day across 125 countries. Thanks to sustained immunization efforts, today, the global incidence of polio has dropped by over 99%. According to the WHO, more than 2.5 billion children have been vaccinated against polio, and countless lives have been spared from lifelong paralysis.
Yet, the fight is not over. As of 2025, wild poliovirus remains endemic in only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, where cases continue to be recorded, including recent infections reported in August 2025. The Philippines, once declared polio-free in 2000, also faced a polio outbreak in 2019 after nearly two decades without any reported cases. This resurgence served as a strong reminder that the virus can return if immunization efforts decline or public vigilance weakens. Until polio is eradicated everywhere, no child is truly safe. This is why continued awareness, vaccination drives, and grassroots efforts remain crucial.
Rotaract Club of Holy Spirit believes in the power of service and collective action, we proudly stand alongside Rotary International in this historic mission. In celebration of World Polio Day 2024, our organization produced a heartfelt campaign vlog for Rotary International District 3780, which received the Champion Award. Every frame of our vlog was crafted with purpose—to inspire empathy, ignite conversation, and encourage communities to join hands in ending polio once and for all. This recognition strengthened our commitment to amplify our message: that together, we can and will achieve a polio-free world.
Key members in the production and performance of the vlog included Magical President Zian Lucy Ternola, Rtr. French Kyle Abudanza, Rtr. Mikaela Agbayani, Rtr. Rhussel Ivan Luzong, Rtr. Anne Marie Revamontan, and Rtr. Marc Arthur Clarete, with Rtr. French Kyle skillfully handling the video editing.
Beyond digital awareness, our organization also acts on the ground. Since 2023, we have been implementing the “Piso Laban sa Polio” initiative—a simple yet powerful fundraising effort that places transparent acrylic jars in events and community projects, inviting members, Rotaractors, Interactors, and Rotarians to drop spare coins that symbolize hope. Every peso collected goes directly to the Rotary International Polio Fund, contributing to global vaccination and eradication efforts.
Our continuous commitment was recognized at The Magic of Rotary District Conference of Rotaract Clubs of Rotary International District 3780, where we were honored as the Most Outstanding Rotaract Club in Foundation among nearly 66 Rotaract Clubs in District 3780. But more than the recognition, what drives us forward is our shared dream—a world where no child will ever suffer from polio again.
Yet, beyond accolades and campaigns lies the heart of our mission—our compassion for those whose lives have been touched by polio. For survivors, every step they take and every dream they pursue is a testament to human resilience. Our advocacy seeks to honor their courage and amplify their voices, reminding the world that eradicating polio is not just about eliminating a disease; it’s about preserving dreams, dignity, and the right of every child to live freely, unburdened by preventable illness.
As we continue this advocacy during the Unite for Good term, we hold steadfast to a clear and meaningful goal: to sustain hope, strengthen awareness, and build a generation determined to finish what we started—the complete eradication of polio.
Let us continue to stand together, Rotarians, Rotaractors, and communities alike, until the day comes when polio exists only in history books. Because ending polio means more than ending a disease; it means ensuring that every child, everywhere, can stand, walk, and dream—freely and fearlessly.
