Wheels of Hope

07/02/2025

Last month, Bill Gates was awarded one of Nigeria's highest national recognitions, the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, for helping to form the country's healthcare landscape and inspiring global leadership through impactful philanthropy. Gates dedicated this award to Ayuba Gufwan, the CEO of Wheelchairs for Nigeria. Ayuba's organization has given over 38,000 wheelchairs to polio survivors since its inception.

Donate to Wheels of Hope today to continue Ayuba's mission!

Our chair, Bill Gates, recently dedicated Nigeria’s Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic to Chief Ayuba Gufwan, a trailblazer in promoting inclusivity and healthcare for persons with disabilities in Nigeria. As Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and CEO of Wheelchairs for Nigeria, Chief Gufwan has dedicated his life to improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly those with disabilities. His organization provides hand-powered tricycles to individuals paralyzed by polio, enhancing their mobility and independence.

Chief Gufwan's tireless efforts extend beyond advocacy for disability rights; he also educates communities on the importance of immunization, working tirelessly to create a more inclusive and healthier Nigeria. We're proud to recognize his outstanding contributions and commitment to creating positive change.


https://bit.ly/4kOial8

06/20/2025

Dr. Shigeru Omi reflects on the 25th anniversary of the WHO’s polio-free certification in the Western Pacific. Omi recounts the early challenges, crucial support from Rotary, and the collabor…

04/17/2025

Our progress to would not have been possible without Rotary members around the world working together on this initiative 🫶

🔗Tune into Director of PolioPlus Carol Pandak's interview with RadioRotary to learn more: https://endpol.io/4ifGYSg

12/11/2024

A new polio vaccine has been introduced to combat vaccine-derived strains, marking a pivotal step in eradication efforts. This advancement highlights the ongoing battle against polio and the need for continued support. Discover more about this development in the comments.

11/27/2024

At the World Health Summit, global leaders pledged $2.6 billion towards the Global Polio Eradication Initiative's 2022-2026 strategy. This significant commitment brings us closer to a polio-free world. Learn more about this initiative and how it aligns with our efforts in the comments.

11/12/2024

In the midst of conflict, Gaza faces a resurgence of polio after 25 years. Health workers are racing against time to vaccinate children and prevent further spread. This underscores the importance of our mission to provide mobility solutions to polio survivors. Read more about Gaza's challenges and resilience through link in the comments.

06/13/2024

🩺🌍 We are closer than ever to eradicating polio globally! Thanks to the incredible efforts of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and frontline workers, particularly in Afghanistan and Pakistan, we've seen a dramatic reduction in cases. These heroes not only administer vaccines but also build trust and provide vital health resources. Their dedication is paving the way for a polio-free future and setting the stage for tackling other diseases. Let's support their mission and celebrate this remarkable progress!

👉 [Link to the article in the comments]

02/07/2024

More children are being reached with polio vaccines in Pakistan thanks to a local tradition: drumming. By playing tunes familiar to those living in the Punjab district, health workers are successfully engaging children and parents alike to spread the message of the importance of vaccination. Link to article in comments.

12/24/2023

As we ring in the end of the year we celebrate all the continued success we have had this year as a result of the work of our Board of Directors (and of course our valued donors). Our December Board meeting was a combination business meeting and Christmas party. Here is a picture of our team at the party. Several of our group could not come but those that did had a great time. From Left to Right: Matt Waligorski, (our new President), Jon Randles (Facebook), Alex Wood (Website), John Rodd (Secretary), Al Bonney (Grant Writer), Janie McNabb (Newsletter) Alan Long (Club Visits and presentations). Absent members are Marsha Minervini, Dan Buron, Deanna Hess, and Michael Ca/ruso

11/02/2023

Wheels of Hope exists to support the Beautiful Gate Handicap Peoples Center, and the work they do building and giving away specialized wheels chairs to polio-stricken survivors in northern Nigeria.

Read the article via the link in the comments about why Executive Director Ayuba Gufwan received the Rotary International Award for his philanthropic interventions.

10/12/2023

“Many people run away from crises. Dr. Asma Ali runs toward them. A physician from Kenya, she worked in hospitals before finding her true calling: ensuring that vaccines and other medical care can reach those who are too often left behind”

Dr. Asma Ali answers readers’ questions about her work responding to polio outbreaks in some of the world’s hardest-to-reach places.

08/17/2023

"On 12 April 1955, researchers announced the results: The Salk vaccine was deemed 80 percent to 90 percent effective at preventing paralytic polio. [...] According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, polio cases in the U.S. dropped from nearly 58,000 in 1952 to about 5,500 in 1957, and by 1965 had fallen to 72. At Tuskegee, the Infantile Paralysis Center closed its doors in 1975, no longer needed.

Today, wild poliovirus has been eradicated in all countries but two: Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Tuskegee's involvement in these efforts is well documented, and yet the contribution is relatively unknown, even to Alabama residents."

V V V *Article in the comments! V V V