In recognition of World Polio Day, we gather to reflect on Rotary’s leadership in the fight to eradicate polio worldwide. This commemoration highlights our collective progress, partnerships, and ongoing dedication to ensuring that no child ever suffers from polio again.
For over three decades, Rotary International has led the global fight to eradicate polio — a mission that has become one of the most ambitious and successful public health initiatives in history. Through its End Polio Now campaign and partnership with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), Rotary has helped reduce polio cases worldwide by more than 99.9%, vaccinating billions of children and preventing lifelong disability. Each year on World Polio Day, Rotarians and partners around the world unite to celebrate progress, honor health workers and volunteers, and reaffirm Rotary’s unwavering commitment to a polio-free world. Together, we are truly “this close” to making history.
Polio is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis — sometimes permanently. It spreads easily from person to person, often through contaminated food or water. There is no cure, but polio can be prevented with vaccines. Thanks to vaccination efforts led by Rotary International and global health partners, polio has almost been wiped out worldwide. Only a few cases remain in two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the world is closer than ever to ending polio for good.
The Rotary Club of the Caribbean Plus is honoured to welcome PDG Bill Strickland to deliver keynote speech as we commemorate World Polio Day.
Bill, a Georgia native and University of Georgia graduate, has dedicated over 30 years of distinguished service to Rotary and community development. A member of the Rotary Club of Bartow County since 1995, he has held multiple leadership roles, including Club President (2000–2001) and District Governor (2014–2015) for District 6910.
A passionate advocate for Rotary’s fight to End Polio Now, Bill has served as District 6910 End Polio Now Chair since 2017, participated in three National Immunization Days (NIDs) — most recently in India in January 2020 — and continues to lead fundraising and awareness efforts for global polio eradication.
His commitment to The Rotary Foundation is reflected in his recognition as a Major Donor (Level 2), Paul Harris Society member, Benefactor, Bequest Society member, and PolioPlus Society member.
Bill’s dedication has earned him Rotary’s highest honors, including:
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Service Above Self Award (2017)
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Citation for Meritorious Service & Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World (2020)
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Distinguished Service Award (2024) — Rotary Foundation’s most prestigious recognition.
Beyond Rotary, Bill’s lifelong spirit of service began as an Eagle Scout and continues through his community leadership and long-standing volunteerism. His efforts embody the Rotary mission of creating lasting change — locally and globally — through service and compassion.
Full bio and introduction available here.
Learn more about #EndPolio and how you can contribute to the global eradication of this disease: https://www.endpolio.org/
As part of the observation of World Polio Day we are challenged to donate to the PolioPlus Fund through Rotary International. Your donation helps Rotary and its partners reach every child with the polio vaccine. Thanks to the Gates Foundation, your contribution will be tripled. Together, we will end polio.
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Guests and prospective members are always welcome!