BJ Demerara River Bridge illuminated to mark World Polio Day

The Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge was on Friday, October 24, illuminated in red, yellow and purple in observance of World Polio Day, creating a striking visual reminder of the continued global effort to eradicate polio. The initiative was undertaken through a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Garden City Georgetown and the Ministry of Health. As one of seven Rotary clubs in Guyana, the Rotary Club of Garden City Georgetown used the day of observance as a platform to raise public awareness and educate citizens about polio, its impact, the importance of vaccination, and the work being done by Rotary to support global eradication efforts.
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children and can lead to irreversible paralysis. While there is no cure, the disease can be prevented through vaccination. Through its World Polio Day activities, the Rotary Club of Garden City Georgetown is highlighting the importance of maintaining strong immunisation coverage, encouraging parents and caregivers to ensure children are properly vaccinated, and reminding the public that continued vigilance is necessary until polio is completely eradicated worldwide.

For more than four decades, Rotary International has been at the forefront of the global fight against polio through its “End Polio Now” campaign, supporting vaccination programmes, public education, advocacy and community mobilisation across the world. Global efforts have reduced polio cases by more than 99.9 per cent since 1988, demonstrating the significant impact of vaccination and international cooperation.
However, the continued presence of the virus in parts of the world means that awareness and immunisation remain essential.
The illumination of the bridge in red, yellow and purple served not only as a symbol of solidarity, but also as an opportunity to educate the public and reinforce the simple message that polio is preventable, vaccination saves lives, and the fight must continue until every child is protected.
Through continued education, partnership and advocacy, the Rotary Club of Garden City Georgetown remains committed to supporting the vision of a polio-free world. Together, we can End Polio Now.