Africa-Press – Uganda. The President of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo, presided over a landmark Polio Vaccination Drive in Jjanyi, organized by the Rotary Club of Kajjansi, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Kampala South and the Rotary Club of Kampala Blue Hearts, with support from DFCU Bank.
The event marked a significant milestone with the official launch and commissioning of a dedicated vaccination centre in Jjanyi, a community where Rotarians have consistently delivered monthly immunisation services for over 20 years.
During the visit, President Arezzo joined Rotarians, healthcare workers, and community members to witness firsthand the impact of sustained grassroots efforts in the fight against polio.
The new vaccination centre is expected to enhance access to routine immunization services, strengthen disease prevention, and provide a permanent base for ongoing health outreach programs.
Speaking at the launch, President Arezzo commended the consistency and commitment of the Rotary Club of Kajjansi and its partners.
“This is a powerful example of what sustained service can achieve. For over two decades, Rotarians have shown up for this community. Today, that commitment takes a permanent form. This is how we will end polio, by being present, consistent, and community-driven,” he said.
The Rotary Club of Kajjansi, which has led monthly vaccination efforts in Jjanyi for more than two decades, described the centre as a long-term investment in community health. Club leaders noted that the vision extends beyond polio, with plans for the facility to grow into a fully functional health centre serving children and families in the area.
“This centre represents our journey and our future. What started as outreach will now become a permanent space of care. We hope to see it grow into a hospital that continues to serve generations,” a club representative shared.
Rotary’s role in the global fight against polio remains one of its most defining contributions. As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, Rotary has helped reduce polio cases worldwide by over 99.9 percent, mobilising resources, volunteers, and advocacy efforts across countries.
In Uganda, Rotary clubs continue to play a critical role in supporting immunisation drives, raising awareness, and strengthening community trust in vaccines.
The Jjanyi initiative stands as a testament to how local action contributes to a global goal.
The partnership with DFCU Bank further highlights the importance of collaboration between Rotary and the private sector in scaling impact and ensuring sustainability of community health interventions.
The event brought together Rotarians, Rotaractors, local leaders, and community members, all united by a shared mission to protect children and secure a polio-free future.
As President Arezzo continues his visit, the Jjanyi vaccination centre serves as a powerful reminder that the fight to end polio is sustained not only by global strategy but by consistent, local action.
Through dedication, partnership, and long-term commitment, Rotary continues to move closer to a world free of polio.
