SAS Nagar, October 24: World Polio Day was celebrated jointly by the Rotary Club Chandigarh and the Rotaract Club of AIMS Mohali to raise awareness about the global efforts to eradicate poliomyelitis (polio).
Mr. Madhukar Malhotra, Past District Governor (PDG), addressed MBBS students and emphasized Rotary’s pivotal role in the worldwide fight against polio. He highlighted that through sustained global immunization efforts, polio now remains endemic in only two countries.
Mr. Rajendra K. Saboo, Past Rotary International President, shared inspiring insights into Rotary’s long-standing commitment to ending the disease. He lauded the tireless efforts of health professionals, volunteers, and community workers whose collective dedication has brought the world to the brink of complete eradication.
Dr. Abha Sharma Joshi, President, Rotary Club Chandigarh, said, “World Polio Day reminds us that persistence, partnership, and compassion can overcome even the most daunting global health challenges. Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating what humanity can achieve when it comes together for a common cause.”
Dr. Bhavneet Bharti, Director-Principal of AIMS Mohali, shared her experiences as a pediatrician from the pre-eradication era with young pediatricians who have never encountered a case of polio. She reflected on the harrowing impact the disease once had on children and families and how witnessing those cases firsthand strengthened her conviction in the life-saving power of vaccination and community outreach.
World Polio Day, observed annually on 24 October, highlights the importance of polio vaccination and celebrates the countless parents, professionals, and volunteers who make polio eradication possible. The event reaffirmed that to sustain a polio-free world, it is vital to maintain high immunization coverage, ensure robust surveillance, and remain prepared to respond swiftly to any outbreak.