8th World Polio Day Observation at Utah Valley University

On October 24, 2025, Utah Valley University Rotaractors observed the 8th World Polio Day with Mr. Oliver Rosenbauer from the World Health Organization as a Keynote Speaker

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Poster World Polio Day at UVU

World Polio Day at Utah Valley University Poster

Mr. Oliver Rosenbauer Speaks During the World Polio Day at Utah Valley University

Mr. Oliver Rosenbauer Speaks During the World Polio Day at Utah Valley University

On Wednesday, October 23, 2025, Utah Valley Rotaractors and students observed their annual World Polio Day for the eighth time. In preparation for next summer’s study abroad to the United Nations in Geneva and New York, students hosted keynote speaker Mr. Oliver Rosenbauer via Microsoft Teams. UVU's methodology of teaching is based on Student-Engaged Learning, where students are given the opportunity to be hands-on to solve real life problems as a group under the mentorship of a faculty member. The SEL model was displayed as the event was fully planned, organized, and executed by UVU rotaractors and students of the Comparative Politics of Central Asia course.

Dr. Janet Colvin, Associate Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciencs Speaks during the event

We were also grateful for the attendance of our College Humanities Social Science Associate Dean; Dr. Janet Colvin, Cathy Ambrose the president of the Orem-Lindon Rotary club, and other Rotarian members.

Cathy Ambrose, President of the Orem-Lindon Rotary club Greets the Audience

As the current UVU Rotaract President, I had the privilege of moderating this year's observation of World Polio Day.The goal of this event was to bring awareness and call to attention the effort to eradicate Polio throughout the world.

anessa-Michelle Purcell, Utah Valley University Rotaract President Greets Mr. Rosenbauer and Audience

Janessa-Michelle Purcell, Utah Valley University Rotaract President Greets Mr. Rosenbauer and Audience

Mr. Oliver Rosenbauer, our distinguished keynote speaker, is the spokesperson for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative under the umbrella of the World Health Organization. He stepped into this role in 2003 and works jointly with the Rotary International Organization, Rotaract (the youth rotary programs), and the PolioPlus program. A Rotarian himself with the Rotary Club Geneve International, Mr. Rosenbauer is based in Geneva Switzerland. In his enlightening presentation on the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and the current status of polio, Mr. Rosenbauer provided great insights for our attendees to be educated on the topic of polio. In 1985, Rotary International launched PolioPlus at the convening convention in Philadelphia. Troubled by the reality of children being infected and dying because of Polio, Rotary International launched this program to combat the spread and infections of polio.

Natalia Figueroa, President of the Foreign Affairs Club Ensures Protocol and Coordinates Student Team During the Event

Some important information shared by Mr. Rosenbauer included, the introduction of the polio vaccine helped contain infection. With the availability of vaccines that are safe and effective, the administration of the vaccine helped combat polio as a leading contributor of disability. The objective of the PolioPlus Program is the access to the vaccine for all. On an ethical basis PolioPlus emphasizes that every child deserves the right to the vaccine. The scientific basis for eradication include; limited period of infectiousness, clinical surveillance, no natural reservoirs, efficacious vaccine (easy to administer) and lastly, feasibility of eradication proven. Much like COVID virus, polio is spread easily by population movements. With genetic mutations the genetic virus can pinpoint origins and movement associations. Afghanistan and Pakistan are the two endemic countries where polio infections are most prevalent, as they share a border, border crossing plays a role in the spread of polio. As of 2025, incidence of polio has been reduced by 99% due to the administration of the polio vaccine.

Presentation of Mr. Oliver Rosenbauer during the World Polio Day at Utah Valley University

The development of the vaccine and the commitment of many governments and country leaders, Mr. Rosenbauer shared that we are the closest we have ever been to eradicating polio. The process of eradication is challenging as there are many logistical factors that could cause friction in achieving a total eradication. Such is the challenge for Papua New Guinea, with the island topography, the logistics of sending over supplies and vaccines is quite costly. For Papua New Guinea, helicopters would be needed to bring supplies to the island to be administered. Furthermore, isolating on an island can also be very difficult to organize. The process solely depends on geographic location, government commitment to the initiative, and accessibility to resources. As shared by Mr. Rosenbauer, “from a medical and technical point of view we have the resources to eradicate polio.”

Dr. Jay DeSart, Chair, History and Political Science, Greets the Audience

In our Q&A session, I was able to ask Mr. Rosenbauer how his role as a Rotarian impacted his work with the PolioPlus Program and his role within the WHO. His response was quite interesting to me because he shared with us, he did not become a rotarian until after he had already been collaborating with Rotary International regarding Polio. In fact, it was Rotary International's involvement that inspired him to join and become a rotarian because of the great work the organization is continually engaged in. Sasha Byrd, a student in the Comparative Politics of Central Asia, has asked Mr. Rosenbauer how rotaractors and students could get involved with this initiative. His enthusiastic response was to continue what we are already doing in hosting events that continue to keep polio eradication in conversations.

Erynn Lammi Introduces Dr. Janet Colvin Curtis Bristol Introduces Cathy Ambrose

Erynn Lammi Introduces Dr. Janet Colvin Curtis Bristol Introduces Cathy Ambrose

My contributions to this event go beyond the responsibility of moderating the event but also included overseeing the more intricate details under the leadership of Natalia Figueroa, President of the Foreign Affairs Club. This included reviewing and approving the task list to plan and organize the event. Reviewing and editing the script and agenda of the event and sometimes it included stepping in on some tasks that were overlooked. As a student led event, this pertained to submitting purchase approval forms to UVU’s club office to provide pizza for event attendees.

Kade Van Ry Introduces Mr. Oliver Rosenbauer Aemish Brock Introduces Dr. Jay DeSart

Being able to step back and allow other student leaders to take the reins in the preparations of our event allowed me to focus on our study abroad trip next summer, as well as allowing me time to recover after losing my voice over the weekend. Working together to host this event provided student leaders this opportunity to grow professionally by developing the skills pertaining to time and event management, diplomacy work, and strengthening communication ties. I could not be more proud of our student leaders; Natalia Figueroa, Erryn Lammi, Aemish Brock, Curtis Bristol and Kade Van Ry, for their exemplary efforts to host an amazing and enjoyable event. I would not have been able to execute my job properly without an amazing and willing team to support me. I am grateful to have such dedicated colleagues.

Utah Valley University Rotaractors Host the Event

I personally have learned so much from Mr. Rosenbauer’s presentation and the answers he provided in our Q&A session. What most resonated with me is that for us to continue to progress towards eradication, we must stay committed to the cause as a collective. This is not an individual fight but a fight across the globe that has a wide impact. As college students we have the opportunities to raise our voices for causes that we are passionate about and as an advocate for sustainable development in mountain regions as well as the small island nations, the matters of public health are imperative for our communities. I extend my deepest thanks to Mr. Rosenbauer for accepting our invitation to speak with us for our midterm examination, Dr. Janet Colvin, Dr. Jay DeSart, Cathy Ambrose, DJ Smith, Clark Merkley, Cherise Armstrong, Mike Rich, Debbie Laurent, Cholpon Akmatalieva, and other Rotarians for supporting us students and Rotaractors in hosting this event. Lastly, our mentor Dr. Baktybek Abdrisaev for his unwavering devotion to student success, professional development and personal growth.

Group Photo at WPD

Group Photo after the World Polio Day Observation

Without the support of the College of Humanities and Social Science as well as the History and Political Science Department, including Tanicca Armstrong, Administrative Support III, none of this would be possible. As rotaractors we are committed to the Rotary International motto, “service above self” and are grateful for all the opportunities we have to serve and educate others.