Rotary Clubs in Frome have proudly joined with everyone around the world, celebrating the wiping out of Wild Polio in Africa.

It is now endemic in only Pakistan and Afghanistan, and Rotary International along with partners are working towards it's complete eradication.

As the organisation that first envisioned a polio-free world, Rotary has been at the centre of the fight to eradicate polio for more than three decades. Since Rotary and its partners launched their programme, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.99%, from around 350,000 cases a year in 125 countries to just 176 cases in 2019.

Because of these efforts nearly 19 million people who would otherwise have been paralysed are walking, and more than 1.5 million people are alive who would otherwise have died. Without full funding, political commitment and volunteer-led social action, there is a real threat that polio could return, putting children worldwide at risk.

The three Rotary clubs which co-operate under the Rotary in Frome banner, will take part in the Purple 4 Polio campaign once again. This autumn two million Purple Crocus corms will be planted in the UK and Ireland. In the new year Frome residents will not only see the plants planted in previous years, but will be able to enjoy the freshly planted ones around the Town in the spring.

Rotary Club of Frome President Ian Buick urged the community to support this incredible effort, saying." All the medical advances in vaccination, which will hopefully ultimately allow us to see the end of the COVID pandemic, have already allowed us to live without the fear of many terrible illnesses like Polio. Rotary clubs in Frome are determined to help in this essential programme, and I urge everyone in Frome to join in providing your support, by going to https://www.rotarygbi.org/projects/purple4polio/ or by contacting your local Rotary clubs."