The fight against Polio goes on

Two new cases of Polio were reported in Karachi, Pakistan, this week, taking the total number of those affected by the disease to 160 in the country this year.

Pakistan is one of the few remaining nations living with the threat of Polio and these fresh occurrences come as a blow to eradication and vaccination efforts in the greater region.

As CEO of The British Polio Fellowship, I would like to offer my support to Pakistan and other affected nations in their continuous battle to be rid of Polio; although the last new case in Britain was two decades ago, we are still not Polio-free. We still have a battle to fight. 120,000 people in the UK are still living with the late effects of Polio and Post Polio Syndrome. It is our duty to support those affected.

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PPS is a neurological condition that can occur in up to 80% of those who have had Polio. Individuals suffering from the condition can develop increasing weakness, fatigue and muscular pain, as well as a general reduction in stamina. In addition, those with the condition suffer from a greater sensitivity to the cold, a problem which will strike with painful effect in winter.

While nations still affected by Polio continue with their battle to eradicate the disease, we will continue our fight to raise awareness of PPS to the general public, health care authorities and local and national Government in the UK. To find out more visit www.britishpolio.org.uk

Ted Hill

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