Rotary was built on the belief that when caring people unite, they can change the world. And nowhere is that more evident than in our work to reduce suffering, improve health, and ensure that families have the chance to live full and healthy lives.
Our signature achievement in disease prevention is, without question, the eradication of polio. More than three decades ago, we took on a challenge many believed was impossible: to rid the world of a crippling and deadly disease. We committed not only our resources but also our determination. We mobilized communities, partnered with governments, and worked hand-in-hand with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Gates Foundation. And because of that commitment, we have reduced polio cases by more than 99%, protecting billions of children and bringing us closer than ever to a polio-free world. But our work is not finished. We remain relentless in the final push; because we know that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere.
Rotary’s vision for disease prevention goes far beyond a single illness. Across several communities in Uganda, we support programs that strengthen entire health systems. We fund and operate Rotary Family Health days with our partners such as DFCU Bank and C-CARE, bringing essential care to communities that lack access to doctors, clinics, or medicine. We support the training of health workers, midwives, and community educators, multiplying the impact of every action we take.
We improve maternal and child health by focusing on early intervention, safe childbirth, and access to lifesaving vaccines. The recently approved GG#2579290 of USD 500,000 for Empowering Families is going to create renewed hope for thousands of mothers and newborns in Uganda.
As Rotarians in Uganda, we do help fight malaria with our partners, we fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other preventable diseases by providing education, resources, and long-term support. We know that knowledge is one of the most powerful medicines. I thank Rotarians that have led countless health education initiatives; from teaching hygiene and sanitation practices to young girls in school, to raising awareness about chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease among others.
What truly makes our work unique is not just the scale of our efforts, it is the spirit behind those efforts. Because for every vaccination administered, every health center built or supported, and every life saved, there is the power of volunteers who believe deeply in our motto: Service Above Self.
As we look ahead, our mission remains clear. Rotary will continue to lead, to innovate, and to inspire. We will strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand access to clean water and sanitation and together, we will continue to light the way toward a world free from preventable disease; a world where every child grows up strong, every family thrives, and every community has the opportunity to flourish because as we have seen, #RotaryEyamba.