As the world observes World Polio Day on October 24, 2025, the Rotary Club of Antigua has joined millions around the globe in renewing its pledge to help eradicate the disease once and for all.

Polio — a crippling and potentially deadly virus that primarily affects children — has been reduced by over 99% worldwide since Rotary International launched the PolioPlus program in 1985. What was once a disease that paralyzed hundreds of thousands of children each year is now confined to just two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan.

This success is part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a partnership between Rotary International, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Rotary’s contribution to the global effort has exceeded US$2.1 billion, supported by countless volunteer hours. The Gates Foundation continues to amplify these efforts by matching every dollar donated to Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign on a two-to-one basis.

Under the leadership of President Elisa Graham, the Rotary Club of Antigua has remained an active part of this historic fight. Through community outreach, fundraising, and education, the club continues to remind the public that vigilance remains vital until polio is completely eradicated.

“Until polio is eradicated everywhere, every child remains at risk,” President Graham stated. “Our message is simple — no child should ever suffer from polio again.”

As part of this year’s local observance, the Rotary Club of Antigua teamed up with the Rotaract Club of Antigua, Interact Club of St. Joseph Academy, and Interact Club of Christ the King High School to host a dynamic Purple4Polio Cardio Kickboxing and Karobics Session. The event, led by Kreative Fitness, brought together Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, and members of the public in an energetic display of solidarity and purpose. Proceeds from the session will go directly toward Rotary’s End Polio Now initiative.

World Polio Day serves as a reminder that while the end is near, the mission isn’t over. Rotary continues to call on citizens to play their part whether by donating, advocating, or simply spreading awareness to help ensure that no child, anywhere, ever faces the threat of polio again.