Leamington ladies are fighting polio in India

Although the country was declared free from polio in 2014, there is a risk of re-infection due to cases found in Pakistan - which is why Rosemary Good and May Shaker from Leamington Spa Regency Rotary Club joined more than 100 volunteers from the UK and Ireland to help keep India polio-free.

Rosemary said: “It is incredible to think that since making the pledge in 1985 to eradicate polio, Rotarians have pulled together to combat the disease all over the world. Travelling to India and working with fellow Rotarians illustrates how important it is to be involved in community projects that are not just on your doorstep.”

The trip was timed to coincide with National Immunisation Day (February 21), a Rotary initiative which aims to vaccinate more than 172 million children under five against polio. The groups are working in Delhi, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Bhidawi and Karnal.

The immunisation, administered by two drops on the tongue, can be carried out by someone with no medical experience.

Rosemary added: “It’s important that we don’t lose momentum if we are going to beat this disease. The large group of Rotarians travelling out this year illustrates that we are still as passionate as ever.”

To find out more, visit www.rotarygbi.org and for details about the Leamington club, visit www.meetup.com/Leamington-Spa-Regency-Rotary-Group