Rotary's commitment to eradicating polio remains unwavering. Thanks to the dedication of Rotary members, our partners, and frontline health workers, wild poliovirus now remains endemic in only two countries—Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The progress is remarkable. Year-to-date in 2026, there have been just 18 reported cases of wild poliovirus worldwide. Pakistan has reported only three cases, with its most recent case occurring in April, while Afghanistan's most recent case was in June. We are closer than ever to achieving a polio-free world, but until transmission is stopped everywhere, children everywhere remain at risk.
This fall, Rotarians from District 5710 will have the opportunity to witness Rotary's impact firsthand by participating in a National Immunization Day (NID) in India, October 22–November 3. Click here for details. Volunteers will work alongside local health workers to immunize children in some of the highest-risk communities while experiencing one of Rotary's most inspiring humanitarian efforts. So far, 12 Rotarians have registered for this trip, and there is still room for you.
To help make this life-changing experience possible, District 5710 is offering a scholarship for one Rotarian to participate. If you have ever wanted to see Rotary's work in action and become an even stronger advocate for polio eradication, I encourage you to consider applying. Details of the scholarship are here.
As we celebrate the progress being made around the world, I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to the Rotarians of District 5710. Thank you for your generous financial support of PolioPlus, for the countless hours you invest planning and working fundraising events, for educating your clubs and communities, and for choosing to make your impact last by setting up recurring gifts through My Rotary. Every dollar raised, every conversation shared, and every recurring donation moves us closer to a world where no child will ever again be paralyzed by polio.
We truly are on the threshold of making history. Together, we will fulfill Rotary's promise to the world's children—End Polio Now.
Interested in joining the India NID trip or applying for the scholarship? Contact District 5710 PolioPlus Chair Maria Wilson (Maria4PolioPlus@gmail.com) for details on the itinerary, scholarship application, and how you can be part of this unforgettable Rotary experience.