The Rotary Club of Accra-Airport, has held ARISE FOR POLIO 2026, an initiative to help ensure that no child, anywhere in the world, suffers from polio again.
Speaking at the event, the President of Rotary Club of Accra-Airport, Rotarian David Kwatia Nyante, said, Polio is a devastating disease that can cause permanent paralysis and even death. Yet, it is preventable through vaccination.
When Rotary launched its PolioPlus programme in 1985, hundreds of thousands of children were being paralysed by polio every year. Today, through the collective efforts of Rotary, governments, health workers and international partners, wild poliovirus remains endemic in only two countries — Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“That is remarkable progress, but our work is not finished. Until polio is eradicated everywhere, children everywhere remain at risk. For over four decades, Rotarians have remained committed to this cause, contributing their time, resources and energy to support immunization programmes and raise awareness. Here in Ghana, Rotary continues to work with the Ghana Health Service and other partners to protect children. The Rotary Club of Accra-Airport is proud to be part of this global effort.” Rotarian David Nyante explained.
He added that, no single organisation can achieve this goal alone. “We need governments, businesses, communities and individuals to play their part. That is the spirit behind Arise for Polio. We have come together to raise awareness and to mobilise support and strengthen partnerships that will help us finish the job. To our corporate partners and prospective sponsors, supporting this cause is an investment in children’s health, stronger communities and a better future. It is also an opportunity to be part of something truly historic.”
The District Governor, Rotary International District 9104, Rotarian Jack Andrews Dotsey (PhD), who was the keynote speaker, commended the Rotary Club of Accra-Airport for organizing this event and, more importantly, for reminding us that although tremendous progress has been made against polio, our responsibility is not over.
Speaking on the theme: “Together, We Finish the Fight”, Rotarian Dotsey said, for decades, Rotary has worked alongside governments, communities and international partners to protect children from polio.
This commitment goes beyond fundraising. Rotarians advocate, Rotarians mobilise communities, and Rotarians support vaccination campaigns. Rotarians work with health professionals. And, Rotarians help build trust so that vaccines can reach children wherever they live.
“The progress achieved demonstrates what sustained leadership, partnership and service can accomplish. But with polio, being almost successful is not enough. As long as the poliovirus continues to circulate anywhere, children everywhere remain potentially at risk. That is why our message today is simple: “We must finish what we started,” he concluded.
The chair of Ghana National PolioPlus, Rotarian Gertrude Adzo Akpalu, Past Assistant Governor of Rotary International District 9104, speaking to the media at the event said, “We are at 99.9% on Polio eradication with the Wild Polio Virus endemic only in Afghanistan & Pakistan. Our 2026 theme is One day. One focus: ending Polio for good.
Rotary in collaboration with GHS/EPI, WHO, UNICEF, Gates Foundation, Gavi, US-CDC, Pediatric Society of Ghana, Civil Society, Polio Survivors and the Media must make history by ending Polio. Let it be our legacy – let us donate to the Rotary Foundation PolioPlus Fund, share info and continue to create awareness (be advocates) and learn by taking action! Polio anywhere is Polio everywhere! Together, we must end Polio!”