World Polio Day

October 24th is Proclaimed World Polio Day

WHEREAS, Rotary International is a global organization committed to humanitarian service, ethical standards, and promoting goodwill and peace; and

WHEREAS, in 1985 Rotary launched the PolioPlus program and helped form the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988 in partnership with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gavi, and other stakeholders; and

WHEREAS, since that time, the incidence of polio has dropped by more than 99 percent, and Rotary has contributed billions of dollars and countless volunteer hours to protect children and bring us closer to a polio-free world; and as long as polio exists anywhere, it remains a threat everywhere; and

WHEREAS, Rotary continues to advocate for vigilance, vaccinations, surveillance, public awareness, and funding to ensure that polio is eradicated once and for all; and marking October 24 as World Polio Day provides an opportunity for citizens, organizations, and governments to reaffirm their commitment to ending polio and to recognize the contributions of Rotary and its partners;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Brian Smith, on behalf of the Council of Wasaga Beach, do hereby proclaim October 24, 2025 as “World Polio Day” in Wasaga Beach.