REGISTRATION
Dear members,
More than four decades of extraordinary global cooperation have brought
the world to the threshold of eradicating polio. But the final stretch is also
the hardest — and until transmission is stopped everywhere, children everywhere
remain at risk.
On the occasion of World Polio Day 2026, the World Health Organization
and Rotary invite you to join us at WHO headquarters in Geneva to celebrate how
far the world has come, understand what remains to finish the job, and
recognize the extraordinary partnership that has made this progress possible.
The event will be opened by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom
Ghebreyesus, together with Dominique Perron, Rotary International
Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, and will include an
accessible “Polio Eradication 101” session exploring where we are today,
why eradication still matters, and what it will take to reach zero.
Returning to where the journey began
There could hardly be a more fitting setting. We will gather in WHO's
Executive Board room — the room in which Member States took the historic
decision in 1988 to launch the global effort to eradicate polio. Thirty-eight
years later, we return to where the journey began to reflect on extraordinary
progress — and on what it will take to complete it.
Following the programme, please stay with us for an informal apéro
immediately outside the Executive Board room, with an opportunity to meet and
exchange with Rotarians, WHO colleagues and partners from Geneva and beyond.
There will also be opportunities to support Rotary's PolioPlus programme,
including through a special charity raffle with some wonderful prizes.
French interpretation will be provided throughout the
event. Registration and practical
information below.
Registration and practical information
Registration is required for all external visitors to
WHO.
Register for World Polio Day 2026 at WHO
Venue:
World Health Organization
Executive Board Room
Avenue Appia 20
1211 Geneva, Switzerland
WHO headquarters on
Google Maps
The programme begins at 16.00. Please plan to arrive by
approximately 15.30 to allow sufficient time to pass through WHO
security and reach the Executive Board Room.
Please bring a valid government-issued photo ID, which will be required to enter WHO.
Please note that visitor parking will not be available at WHO;
participants are therefore strongly encouraged to use public transport.
For any questions, please contact:
Théophile Houessou
PolioPlus Coordinator, Rotary District 1990
theophile.houessou@rotary1990.ch
Oliver Rosenbauer
Rotary Club Genève International
rosenbauero@who.int | +41 79 500 6536
We very much look forward to welcoming you to WHO on 22 October — to
celebrate extraordinary progress, renew our commitment, and help finish the
job.
With our thanks and Rotarian regards,
District 1990
René Loretan, DG 2026-2027
Théophile Houessou
Président de commission PolioPlus D1990
