In 1985, Rotary International established Polio Plus to tackle global eradication of Polio, a time when 125 countries were Polio-endemic. By 1988, the initiative had raised nearly $220 million in contributions and pledges. Working alongside WHO and UNICEF, Rotary succeeded in boosting world immunization levels 

from less than 50 percent to over 80 percent over the course of 7 years through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Recognizing the great strides made by Rotary International, in 2013 the Gates Foundation offered to match Rotary’s contributions for polio eradication 2-to-1 for five years. Since the launch of Polio Plus in 1985, 99% of the world’s population lives in regions certified Polio-free bringing the goal of polio eradication within close reach. Continued support and contributions are essential in these final stages to bring an end to the life crippling disease.