The Rotary Club of Accra-Airport introduced the Arise for Polio 2026 campaign, a new effort designed to prevent future cases of the virus in children globally. MyJoyOnline reported that the launch event brought together club leaders and international partners to coordinate next steps in the eradication process.
David Kwatia Nyante, the club’s president, described the disease as a cause of permanent paralysis or death that can be stopped via vaccines. He noted that in 1985, when Rotary began its PolioPlus program, many thousands of children were paralyzed annually. According to MyJoyOnline, the wild form of the virus now exists in just two nations, Afghanistan and Pakistan, thanks to joint work by governments and health workers. Nyante explained that Rotarians have supported immunization drives for four decades. In Ghana, the club partners with the national health service to shield young patients. He argued that individual organizations cannot succeed alone, requiring input from businesses and communities to complete the task.
Jack Andrews Dotsey, the District Governor for Rotary International District 9104, delivered the keynote speech. He praised the club for highlighting that the battle is not yet over. Speaking on the theme “Together, We Finish the Fight,” Dotsey stated that Rotarians do more than raise funds. They advocate for the cause, engage local communities, and assist vaccination teams. He emphasized that Rotarians build trust to ensure vaccines reach all children. Dotsey concluded that near-success is insufficient while the virus circulates, meaning children everywhere face potential risk.
Gertrude Adzo Akpalu, chair of Ghana National PolioPlus, addressed reporters on the progress made. She stated that eradication efforts are nearly complete, with the wild virus confined to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Akpalu identified the 2026 focus as ending the disease permanently. She called for collaboration between Rotary, the Ghana Health Service, and global bodies like the WHO and UNICEF. Her goal is to make history by eliminating polio, urging stakeholders to donate to the Rotary Foundation PolioPlus Fund and share information to maintain momentum.
The event underscored the need for sustained leadership and partnership. As the virus remains in two countries, the initiative aims to leverage these relationships to secure a polio-free future for children worldwide.