The webinar emphasised the continued need to stay committed to the fight against polio |Photograph used for representational purpose only
| Photo Credit: FIle Photograph
Rotary District 3234, in collaboration with The Hindu, hosted a webinar titled ‘The Last Mile in the War Against Polio’, on Thursday (October 16, 2025), marking the lead-up to World Polio Day on October 24. The session discussed both the significant progress and the persistent challenges in the ongoing efforts to eliminate polio globally.
Vinod Saraogi, District Governor of Rotary District 3234, opened the discussion with a welcome address. He acknowledged the remarkable strides made, noting that while polio has been eradicated in 99% of the world, the fight is not over yet. “The final mile remains the hardest,” he emphasised, calling for a collective commitment to complete the mission.
Michael K. McGovern, past Rotary International director and chair of Rotary’s PolioPlus Committee, delivered the keynote address, offering a comprehensive global perspective on the remaining hurdles. In his presentation, McGovern discussed the traces of polio that still exist today, the challenges of ensuring vaccine access in remote areas and maintaining robust surveillance systems, and strengthening community engagement to reach the final pockets of the disease.
The session also reflected on India’s role in the global campaign. India’s achievement, culminating in the World Health Organization’s 2014 declaration of a polio-free status, illustrated how strategic partnerships, grassroots mobilisation, and government collaboration can overcome daunting public health challenges.
During the question-and-answer session, attendees raised important questions about the next steps in polio eradication. The speakers explained on the continued role of Rotary Clubs in raising awareness and stressed the critical need for sustained vigilance in the two remaining polio-endemic countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The session was moderated by Athira Elssa Johnson, Senior Reporter, The Hindu.
The webinar can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/live/kQrqj_hUMvU
Published – October 17, 2025 04:17 pm IST
