Més que un club (More than a club) - this is the motto of one of the world’s largest and most successful football clubs, FC Barcelona. For over 100 years, the club has actively sought to become involved in various socially oriented projects and campaigns, both in native Cataluña and around the globe.

Continuing this tradition, the club has partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for the ‘More than a Goal. End Polio' campaign - a three-year push to re-energise the global fight to eradicate polio.

Whilst the disease has been reduced by 99%, it is the aim of these two influential organizations to make sure that the final 1% is not forgotten about - so that children in the three remaining countries where polio has not been eradicated (Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan) can also be ensured a future without polio.

When announcing the partnership, Bill Gates applauded the work that has already been done, but delivered an urgent message:

“Stopping the fight now is simply not an option. If we don't do the really hard work to eradicate polio now, the disease will come back with a vengeance. Polio anywhere is a threat everywhere. FC Barcelona’s commitment to using sport for social good will help us rally support for vaccines and end polio once and for all.”

At the same time, FC Barcelona President Sandro Rossell stated:

“Sport is an effective way to reach children and youth, and we have found that it can be used to benefit the health of people worldwide. Our partnership with the Gates Foundation underscores our long-standing commitment to making the world a better place.”

Given the outreach and influence that these two organisations provide, the campaign could prove pivotal in ensuring that the end of polio happens sooner rather than later.

Why stop at 99%? We never have before. Call on world leaders to fund the global effort to wipe out the final per cent.