WHO, UNICEF, Rotary: Polio Fight to the Finish
About this episode
The episode discusses the role of Rotary, WHO, and UNICEF in the fight against polio and the challenges faced in global health funding.
In 2026, many Western governments have pulled back funding and reduced their commitments to the United Nations. And later this month, the United States will officially withdraw from the World Health Organization. Today, civic organizations like Rotary represent a powerful “third force” in global affairs. For example, in 1988, alongside UNICEF and others, Rotary and the WHO became founding partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, or GPEI. The campaign now stands as one of the largest, most successful public health efforts to date. Leadership from the GPEI visited Rotary International Headquarters to discuss the status of the campaign today.
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