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As long as polio threatens even one child anywherein the world, children everywhere remain at risk.

The UK Houses of Parliament were illuminated withthe Rotary End Polio Now message as part of theRotary Day celbrations on February 23, 2009.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awardedRotary International a $100 million grant for polioeradication in 2007 and an additional $255 milliongrant in 2009. Rotarians must raise matching fundsto meet the $200 million challenge by June 30,2012. The resulting $555 million will directly supportimmunisation campaigns in countries where poliocontinues to infect and paralyse children. By thetime the world is certified polio-free, Rotary willhave contributed more than $1.2 billion to theeradication effort.

Rotarians world-wide are taking part in a wide range offund-raising activities to meet the challenge.

Rotary International in Great Britian and Ireland www.thanksforlife.org

Photograph courtesy of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Photograph by Jean-Mark Giboux