World Polio Day: Friday 24 October

Every year on 24 October the world marks World Polio Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about polio, the progress made towards eradication, and recognising the individuals affected by this devastating virus.

Established by Rotary International, World Polio Day coincides with the birthday of Dr. Jonas Salk, the American virologist who developed the first effective polio vaccine in 1955.

While global eradication efforts have made good progress, polio has not yet been fully defeated. Only a few regions, such as parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, continue to see transmission of the wild poliovirus. But until every country is polio-free, it’s important to keep awareness and vaccination efforts alive.

In the UK, there are still thousands of people living with the long-term effects of polio, and the British Polio Fellowship (BPF) has been supporting them for over 80 years.

Founded way back in 1939, the Fellowship started as a small support group for people disabled by polio. Today, it’s a nationwide charity that helps anyone affected by polio or post-polio syndrome (PPS), a condition that can cause new muscle weakness, pain, and fatigue years after someone first had polio.

The British Polio Fellowship offers:

• advice and information on managing the late effects of polio and post-polio syndrome (PPS).

• publications and updates to keep people informed about the latest news and resources.

• local support groups where polio survivors can share experiences and build friendships.

• campaigns and advocacy to make sure the voices of polio survivors are heard.

Even though most people today have never seen a case of polio, for those who once lived through it, its effects are lifelong. It is important this community is not forgotten.

NOTES

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children. The virus attacks the nervous system and, in severe cases, can cause permanent paralysis or even death. Thanks to widespread immunisation campaigns, most of the world’s population is now protected through vaccination. However, millions of people who contracted the virus before vaccines became widely available still live with its lasting effects.

Late effects of polio include general symptoms related to the strain on muscles and nerves that were originally affected by the polio virus. This includes increased muscle weakness or fatigue, joint pain and stiffness, breathing or swallowing difficulties, cold intolerance, sleep apnoea or night-time breathing issues, and muscle and joint deformities.

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a specific neurological condition, and symptoms include new or increasing muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, breathing or swallowing problems, and difficulty with mobility or daily activities.

There is no cure for PPS, but symptoms can be managed. To find out more contact the British Polio Fellowship.