Compared to the 350,000 polio cases reported in 120 countries during 1986 when Rotary International initiated in The Philippines what has become a global campaign with world health organizations, foundations and governments, there were 12 polio cases reported mainly in two countries in 2023, Pakistan and Afghanistan. In that year of 2023 alone more than 400 million children received the vaccination against polio, with the support of Rotary including US$50 million donated by Rotary members to the End Polio Now campaign.
Despite that effort and huge achievement 14.5 million children in the world have not been vaccinated against any disease, including polio.
The drumbeat of change
Vaccination efforts continue in earnest in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the only two countries where polio remains endemic. Both countries present unique challenges that require innovative strategies.
In Pakistan, for example, it’s difficult to reach the members of some communities who are constantly on the move. People sometimes refuse vaccinations for their children because they’re receiving an overabundance of information or misinformation.
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| A folk drum known as a dhol is used to draw a crowd and help raise awareness of upcoming polio vaccination campaigns in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Image courtesy of UNICEF Pakistan |
In the city of Rawalpindi, vaccination teams tried a new approach. A drummer traveled street to street playing familiar tunes while encouraging families to join the fun. He wore a banner that invited families to participate in an upcoming polio vaccination campaign. The drummer visited weekly, blending cultural traditions with polio awareness in a way that eliminated barriers and established trust.
Polio teams vaccinated as many children in Rawalpindi and the city of Lahore as they could, which helped the Punjab province achieve 96% vaccination coverage.