Rotary clubs have renewed calls for sustained global efforts to eradicate polio, warning that complacency, inadequate funding and gaps in vaccination could jeopardise decades of progress against the crippling disease.
The call was made during a World Polio Day charity walk held at Tatu City, where members of several Rotary and Rotaract clubs converged to raise awareness about the need to protect children from a disease that remains a global public health concern.
The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Nairobi Metropolitan in partnership with the Rotary Club of Northlands Bustani, with Tatu City sponsoring the venue for the awareness campaign.
Participants traversed Tatu City’s nature trails in a show of solidarity with millions of children around the world who remain vulnerable to poliovirus, which can cause irreversible paralysis and, in severe cases, death.
The walk brought together members and friends of the Rotary clubs of Thika, Thika Road and Muthaiga North, alongside the Rotaract clubs of Zetech and Amref International Fellows.
Beyond the physical activity, the event sought to reinforce public awareness of polio prevention, highlight the importance of routine immunisation and mobilise greater support for the international campaign to eliminate the disease.
Arthur Kinyanjui, president of the Rotary Club of Nairobi Metropolitan, said the world had made significant progress towards eradicating polio but warned that the final stage of the campaign required continued commitment from governments, businesses and humanitarian organisations.
He said the disease could be eliminated through sustained vaccination, adequate financing and coordinated international action, urging stakeholders to work more closely with Rotary International to achieve the goal.
“Polio is a disease we can end, but only if we keep the promise to every child. Today we call on governments, the corporate world and humanitarian organisations to put more effort into joining Rotary International to eradicate polio for good,” Mr Kinyanjui said.
He cautioned that the continued circulation of poliovirus in any part of the world posed a threat to children everywhere, making it necessary for countries to maintain strong immunisation programmes and surveillance systems.
Rotary has been at the forefront of the global polio eradication campaign for more than three decades, working with international health organisations, governments and other partners to support vaccination initiatives and public awareness programmes.
The organisation’s efforts have helped bring the world closer to eliminating the disease, although continued transmission in some areas means that sustained vigilance remains essential.
For the participants at Tatu City, the walk was also an opportunity to demonstrate how community based initiatives can contribute to broader public health objectives by bringing people together around a shared cause.
Patrick Ngumo, president of the Rotary Club of Northlands Bustani, said the event illustrated the role of collective action in advancing public health and strengthening communities.
“Walking for World Polio Day is a reminder that real change begins with community action. We are proud to stand with Rotary in this global fight and in building healthier, stronger communities,” Mr Ngumo said.
He said partnerships between community organisations and the private sector could help extend the reach of awareness campaigns and support interventions aimed at improving people’s lives.
Tatu City chief of staff Lorraine John welcomed the partnership, saying the development was pleased to provide a venue for an initiative focused on safeguarding children’s health.
She said hosting the walk marked the beginning of a potential long term collaboration between Tatu City and Rotary, with plans to explore community interventions in Ruiru and other parts of Kiambu County.
“We are delighted to host this walk in Tatu City and to support an effort that protects children’s lives. This is the beginning of a partnership with Rotary, and we look forward to working together on interventions that uplift communities in Ruiru and the wider Kiambu County,” Ms John said.
The proposed collaboration could provide an avenue for the organisations to pursue community focused initiatives beyond polio awareness, although specific future projects were not outlined at the event.
The organisers thanked Tatu City for sponsoring the venue, the Rotary Club of Northlands Bustani for co hosting the walk and the participating clubs and individual walkers for supporting the campaign.
They said the event had laid the groundwork for further engagement between Rotary and Tatu City, particularly on initiatives intended to benefit residents of Ruiru and the wider Kiambu region.
World Polio Day, observed annually on October 24, provides an opportunity for governments, health professionals, community organisations and international partners to assess progress in the fight against the disease and renew commitments to vaccination.
Health experts have consistently emphasised that maintaining high immunisation coverage is essential to preventing outbreaks and protecting children, particularly in communities where access to healthcare remains limited.
The Tatu City walk added a local dimension to the global campaign, underscoring the importance of partnerships, public participation and sustained investment in the drive to ensure that future generations grow up free from polio.
For Rotary and its partners, the message was clear that the progress made so far must be protected, and the final push towards eradication requires continued action from every sector of society.
