There is strength in cooperation

World Health Organization (WHO)

Rotary was the driving force behind the project launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the 1980s to eradicate polio worldwide. Polio is a viral disease that can be easily prevented by vaccination, but it has no cure.

The work to eradicate polio has been very successful and has been declared WHO’s top priority. Currently, the disease persists mainly in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Rotarians participate in the fight against polio through the global PolioPlus program, contributing to national vaccination campaigns, fundraising, and other initiatives. In addition to WHO, Rotarians have worked with UNICEF and the American Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to eliminate the disease.

The Gates Foundation

The charitable foundation established by Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates has contributed significantly to the global effort to eradicate polio.

The foundation is the largest single funder of WHO’s polio project. It has also challenged Rotarians to join in the campaign to end the disease.

More information about the Gates Foundation: www.gatesfoundation.org

ShelterBox is a charity founded in 2000 by Rotarians in the United Kingdom. In Finland, its official sub-organization, ShelterBox Finland, is responsible for relief operations. The organization’s mission is to provide emergency shelter and essential equipment to areas around the world affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crises.

The organization gets its name from the green plastic box – a shelter box. The box contains a tent, stove, blankets, mosquito nets, tools, and other supplies such as cookware and a water purifier. ShelterBox procures and delivers these boxes, which provide the basic necessities of life to those in need. With a temporary home, families affected by disasters can begin to rebuild their lives.

Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation endorse the work of ShelterBox. It is also possible to join as an individual member.

More information about the organization’s activities in Finland: www.shelterboxtuki.fi