Every October, Rotary clubs worldwide rally around a shared mission: Ending Polio. This year, RC Bwebajja, alongside its partners, stood steadfast in this fight, joining hands for a memorable World Polio Day activity on 28th October,2024. Together with the Rotary Clubs of Garuga and Mutundwe, the Provisional RC Bwebajja Mid-City, and three Rotaract clubs—Garuga, Mutundwe, and Bwebajja—their collective effort brought hope and health to the community at Bunamwaya Health Centre II.
Led by dedicated Irresistible Presidents, Polio Officers, and Project Directors, the team braved the morning rain to fulfill their mission: raising awareness about polio, supporting healthcare workers, and educating mothers on the life-saving importance of vaccinations.
At the heart of the day’s activities was a shared determination to protect every child from the devastating effects of polio. Rotary’s efforts across the globe have proven that vaccines work: cases of wild polio have been reduced by more than 99.9% since the initiative began in 1988. From 350,000 cases annually to just six reported cases in 2023, Rotary’s partnership with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has ensured over 3 billion children have been vaccinated.
At Bunamwaya Health Centre II, this global mission became deeply personal. Members worked alongside health workers to educate mothers about the importance of completing immunization schedules, ensuring that no child is left vulnerable. The team also distributed essential childcare items to nursing and expectant mothers, underscoring Rotary’s commitment to maternal and child health.
The impact of their efforts was tangible and heartwarming. 85 children were vaccinated against polio, receiving a lifetime shield against the disease. Twenty-two expectant mothers received antenatal services and supplies, equipping them with the resources they need for safe and healthy pregnancies.
This collaborative effort reminded the community of the power of unity and service. Rotary’s dedication to ending polio is more than just a fight against a disease—it’s a promise to protect children, empower families, and strengthen communities.
Rotary’s journey to eradicate polio may be nearing its final chapter, but every effort—every vaccination drive, every community outreach—is vital in achieving a polio-free world. RC Bwebajja and its partners exemplified this spirit, showing that together, we can overcome challenges and build a healthier future for all.
As the world edges closer to eradicating polio, the message is clear: Every child deserves a chance to live free from preventable diseases. With Rotary leading the charge, that dream is within reach.
