Survivors meet for polio day

In the lead up to World Polio Day, which takes place this Saturday, members of Polio NZ Inc (the national body representing New Zealand's polio survivors) have been in New Plymouth, meeting with polio survivors as well as health professionals, educating them about the work carried out by the organisation and making sure people are aware of the help available.

At a gathering of Taranaki's Area Health Board Physio and Occupational Therapists, secretary Jeannette Aldridge and vice president Nancy Blackstock of Polio NZ Inc spoke to those present about the impact of polio on lives.

Jeannette says that as a viral disease in pre-vaccination times, polio was a regular curse in New Zealand during the hot summer months. Many would simply experience a 'flu like' illness and return to full fitness. Others were less fortunate with about 800 deaths and survivors having varying residual paralysis of their limbs, swallowing, breathing and other complications.

"Most had full and satisfying lives until new weakness, reduced physical resilience and instability began to emerge usually some 30 to 40 years after the initial illness."

Jeannette says polio survivors often encounter problems or a lack of knowledge when seeking support from medical and allied health staff for what is now recognised as the 'Late Effects of Polio'.

"Most practitioners are unaware of the acute polio illness let alone how to manage the late effects as survivors age," she says, adding there are probably more than 5000 polio survivors still living in New Zealand now coping with polio's late effects.

On behalf of Polio NZ Inc, Jeannette presented the group with a copy of a guide for health professionals, produced by Polio Australia and thanked them for their work. Polio survivors were also represented at celebrations marking the 80th year of CCS Disability Action (formally known as Crippled Children's Society) in New Plymouth this month. The event was attended by local dignitaries along with current and former staff and members of the organisation.

Jeannette and Nancy were supported by the Crippled Children's Society as children.

"We are delighted to be supporting these commemorations. The society founded by Rotary did so much to help our families through their field workers," Jeannette says.

"Thankfully, due to vaccination polio outbreaks are a thing of the past here," Nancy says, "but we're still here and those ageing with the late effects of polio need specific help."

Nancy adds they are keen to support polio affected immigrants from countries where it remained problematic long after New Zealand was declared polio free.

Polio NZ Inc joined with Rotary and CCS Disability Action meeting with Members of Parliament at Parliament yesterday to celebrate World Polio Day, reflect on the past and look at future needs.

Polio survivors can get information on 0800 416 546, email secretary@polio.org.nz or write to PO Box 791, TMC, New Plymouth 4340.