Volume 2, Issue 4 Polio Oz News
December 2012 — Summer Edition
Polio Plus . . . by Jill Mather by ambulance and sat in a make saddle close by. My boots, my www.jillmatherbooks.com.au - shift chair - c u m - b e d , riding bowler and other overlooking the paddocks. Then paraphernalia. One never after an hour it was back to knows. I did ride again but an hospital for another long two unfortunate spill put pay to years. Both legs affected and that. one was never to regain its use and the other only 50%. It By 1958, calliper, crutches and could have been worse. all, I married. I was pretty spry at getting around and really I was just 15 years old and my never considered how much my whole life stretched before me. disability hampered me because What was I to do? In the 1950’s it really didn’t. there were no answers and not much help once one was By 1960 I gave birth to a son. A discharged. After assistance delightful child who gave me from the Ambulance boys who much joy even though it took me under their wing and changed my life and location carted me around to various when my husband was critically social outings, I gained work on injured at football. the local Emergency Switch Board. I have hated the violence of the game ever since. Faced with Eighteen months later, a career single parenthood I had little 1952 was not a good year change to the Arbitration Court option, and money to do for polio sufferers. And as and much help from the Court otherwise than move back with agreed, we are still here. Solicitor who encouraged me to my parents. They lived in a study Law and arranged this small seaside town where my A horse lover from an early age with the University who was not father was the Fisheries Patrol one of my very lasting at all anxious to have a Officer. The local Council impressions was of being disabled, part-time student urgently needed an Acting Town wheeled to an ambulance and when such things were unheard Clerk. Because of my legal my two beloved horses hanging of. Fellow students felt I had background, I was appointed their heads over the gate, certain privileges. I was also and finally re-married. Pan watching, and wondering. I female. A double cross to bear. American Airlines gave me a didn’t know it then, but it would The local national newspaper part time writing assignment be more than three years before published articles I wrote. and travel was on the agenda. I would see them again and under very different The horses had to be sold. It Another son later and a move to circumstances. was such a wrench. So sad. So Australia from New Zealand dreadfully final. made in 1970. My writing skills, Hospitalised for so long, it was a honed in hospital by my English special treat to be taken home I slept with my bridle and Teacher, stood me in good
Cont’d P 3 National Patron: Dr John Tierney, PhD, OAM Page 2
Polio Oz News
Polio Australia Inc From the Outgoing President Representing polio survivors served the maximum allowable two consecutive terms throughout Australia without a break. It has been an honour and a privilege to see my dream of a national voice for polio survivors come Suite 119C, 89 High Street to fruition and then to serve for 4 years as Polio Kew Victoria 3101 Australia’s inaugural President. Polio Australia is growing PO Box 500 into a strong and well-regarded organisation with a lot of Kew East Victoria 3102 goodwill behind it from our nation’s polio survivors and Phone: +61 3 9016 7678 their families. I leave the Presidency in the capable E-mail: [email protected] hands of our National Patron, Dr John Tierney, while I will Website: www.polioaustralia.org.au still be around to help guide the organisation’s development in my new role as Vice-President.
Contacts Gillian Thomas Vice-President I am hoping that the reduced calls on my time will enable me to spend more time supporting Mary-ann, as well as President - John Tierney A t P o l i o working on further development of the Polio Australia [email protected] Australia’s 4th website. Please be sure to visit our new Hot News ! blog Annual General page to catch up with polio news as it happens. Vice President - Gillian Thomas Meeting on 6th [email protected] December I stood In closing, the Management Committee, Mary-ann and d o w n a s our volunteers wish each and every reader a joyous festive season and a peaceful and healthy New Year. Secretary - Brett Howard President, having [email protected] From the Editor Treasurer - Michael Judson It’s been such a busy year, and productive year! [email protected] I don’t quite know where However, 2013 just to start! March gave us the happens to be the final year National Program Manager House of Reps Round Table of The Balnaves Foundation Mary-ann Liethof Inquiry into the LEoP, as grant which pays my salary, [email protected] well as an action packed so we are busy seeking visit from Canada’s alternative ways to fund my Ramesh Ferris; we had our position, considering we are 3rd Retreat in April in yet to receive any Inside this issue: Queensland; in June, the government funding . . . Round Table Report was Polio Plus 1 Mary-ann Liethof released; the next few On a lighter note, this edition is focussed on Breath Easy 3 Editor months were building up to people’s stories, which Unless otherwise the “We’re Still Here!” Polio in Canberra 4 campaign at Parliament seems appropriate at this stated, the articles in time of year. After all, it’s Thanks to GSK Team 4 Polio Oz News may be House, Canberra, in these stories that link reprinted provided October; October was also Polio Australia’s AGM 5 that they are the month GSK finished people together and make Co-Q10 Clinical Trial 6 reproduced in full the “Late Effects of Polio: us all part of the post-polio (including any Introduction to Clinical community. You will be Polio: It’s not over 6 references) and the Practice” Module which was interested to read about author, the source and Touched by Polio Art 7 launched at Parliament Kimbalee Apps (P 11) who Polio Australia Inc are is one of Australia’s Australia All Over 8 acknowledged in full. House; we had an unprecedented number of younger polio survivors, The Calliper Kids on-line 8 Articles may not be having contracted the virus edited or summarised new registrations on the in 1972. So, we really are Remembering Miss Lamond 9 without the prior Australian Polio Register written approval of following an article which still here for quite a few Give Easy 10 Polio Australia. The appeared in the nationally years to come!
views expressed in this distributed “The Senior” Kimbalee Apps Story 11 Here’s wishing all our publication are not newspaper; then another necessarily those of readers the very best for Sister Kenny Testimonials 13 flurry of registrations Polio Australia, and the season. Looking resulted following a brief Sister Kenny 60 years on 14 any products, services forward to next year so I or treatments interview with Lyn Glover can do it all again! The Story of Ros 15 described are not (Gold Coast Polio Network necessarily endorsed Convener) on “Australia All All about Immunisation 18 or recommended by Over” radio in December. Expectancy is the 2013 Polio Retreat EOI 21 Polio Australia. All in all, a very satisfying atmosphere for miracles.
~ Edwin Louis Cole Page 3
Volume 2, Issue 4
Polio Plus . . . stead. I wrote for magazines as lively as I was. history, shared with my two and newspapers, and radio, sons who support and obtaining work as a stringer for My love of horses never encourage me . . . the ABC. What an amazing diminished and in 2003 a new experience that was and for two door opened. A documentary “Oh Mum . . . not another years my cameraman and I film scripted on the demise of book!” trekked the countryside filming some Waler horse descendants stories for ‘Focus’. A special enabled me to re-kindle this interest in drama led to an Arts love. A wonderful adjunct to Council Grant and a historical s e m i - retirement. Since drama, attended by the then publishing my book on the Governor of Qld, resulted. history of the famous Australian Drama and the Arts were strong military horse, the Waler, in my early family life. “Forgotten Heroes” was followed Playwriting has always been a by “The old Campaigners” and feature of mine with many “War Horses” as well as a public performances in my children’s educational book repertoire. “Twelve Terrible Tales”.
Circumstances led to a Tertiary I am currently working on education career and in 1981 I another book about – what else joined TAFE where I did both – exceptional wartime animals. administration and teaching for The people I have met and some 23 years, after obtaining a stories provided are so B.Ed. and other add-ons. The inspiring. I feel so honoured to ravages of time are upon me record this often forgotten or and at 75 years of age, I’m not overlooked part of Australian
Breathe Easy
Below are comments received following the Support Group. Not entirely correct—the article article by Peter Willcocks entitled “Sleep At was reprinted by the Rancho group from IVUN’s Last” in the September edition of Polio Oz Ventilator-Assisted Living, Fall 2005, Vol. 9, No. News: 2.”
Received from Dr Ian Neering Response from Peter Willcocks “I was most interested to read the lead article “It wasn’t Ian’s article that I referred to, but it is by Peter Willcocks in the latest issue of Polio all so apparent how similar our stories are, except Oz News. I noted that he referred to an article that Ian got it right earlier than me, and from he had been referred to in a previous news what I can gather Ian’s article was first published letter and wondered if it could have been one in 2004. I will certainly be passing Ian’s article on that I had written. It might be worthwhile to others. putting a link in the article to this if you think The article I referred to was on the Post-Polio it of any value.” Health International’s website some years ago. To read Ian’s article, “Sleep Apnoea One of the references I am now referring people Revisited”, see Pages 9-11 of Network News to is the Polio Today website http:// Issue 64 (Polio NSW) here. poliotoday.org/ and “The Breathing and Sleep Received from Judith Fischer, IVUN Symposium” which was held on Saturday, October Information Specialist, Post-Polio Health 29, 2011 at the Salk Institute for Biological International Studies in La Jolla, CA 92037. “. . . the lead article by Mr. Willcocks contains Also, “Bi-level positive airway pressure ventilation a sidebar on hypoventilation, citing the source maintains adequate ventilation in post-polio as an article by me for the Rancho Post-Polio patients requiring home mechanical ventilation”.” Page 4
Polio Oz News
Polio Survivor Takes Struggle to Canberra by Alicia Bridges “I had restricted movement and Source: The Kimberley Echo the main problem was that my 22 November 2012 muscles in my lower legs were pretty weak.” Kununurra polio survivor Bruce Livett has travelled to Canberra As he reached the age of 60, Mr to campaign for better support Livett started suffering health for people still suffering from problems such as sleep apnoea, the effects of the disease. shortness of breath and, more recently, more muscle One of almost 60 polio survivors weakness. who took part in Polio Australia’s We’re Still Here These problems are recognised campaign last month, Mr Livett as symptoms of a condition contracted the disease in 1948 known as late effects of polio, when he was five years old. or LEoP. Mr Livett was sceptical when he first heard about LEoP. As a child he was lucky to escape the devastating disease, “I really didn’t think I had any which has the potential to cause problems related to the polio death or paralysis, with damage but in the last few years … the to only his legs and his left arm. problems have started to come,” he said. “During the school days I was a little restricted in what I could Mr Livett is now a strong do so when people were doing supporter of the campaign to gymnasium there were some secure Federal Government things I couldn’t do,” he said. funding for people suffering from LEoP.
Thanks Team!
Each GlaxoSmithKline employee is given the opportunity to volunteer for one day each year, referred to as the ‘Orange Day’ program. In 2012, members from the GSK vaccines department were made aware of Polio Australia’s ambition to create modules detailing the Late Effects of Polio (LEoP). The vaccines team were keen to use their analytical and medical writing background to assist with the creation of the introduction module, a resource to provide health care professionals with an overview of the issues and medical considerations that people with the LEoP face. Each member L to R: Jutta Richter, Helen Ho, David Crump, Claire Borg, of the team was tasked with the writing Chris Vearing and Gabrielle Formosa of a number of sections and two members of the team collated and Polio Australia is absolutely delighted with the volunteer finished the document with the help of efforts of GlaxoSmithKline’s Medical Team in producing reviewers from Polio Australia and other this long-awaited resource. The “Late Effects of Polio: organisations. Introduction to Clinical Practice” is designed to be an on- line resource for health professionals, and the first in a Claire Borg, series of modules to manage the range of symptoms Lead Scientific Advisor, Vaccines making up the late effects of polio—funding permitting! Page 5
Volume 2, Issue 4
Polio Australia’s 4th AGM
The Polio Australia Management Committee and grateful to secure funding support from the came together in Sydney from around Australia Mary MacKillop Foundation. on 5/6/7 December for our 4th Annual General Meeting and Strategic Planning Forum. Please click here to download a copy of our 2011/2012 Annual Report which was adopted at The meeting was held at St Joseph’s Centre for the AGM. (All of Polio Australia’s Annual Reports Reflective Living, Baulkham Hills - a wonderfully are accessible from this page.) peaceful, accessible and, importantly, affordable venue which we enjoy each year at this time. For The following Executive Committee members (all this year’s AGM and Forum we were fortunate polio survivors) were elected at the AGM:
Dr John Tierney OAM Gillian Thomas President Vice President National Patron, Polio Australia President, Polio NSW State: New South Wales State: New South Wales
Michael Judson Brett Howard Treasurer Secretary Member, Polio Reference Group President, Polio SA State: Victoria State: South Australia
Standing (L to R): Michael Judson (Vic) Jen Sykes (Vic) John Tierney (NSW) Jenny Jones (WA) Billie Thow (Tas) Mary-ann Liethof (National Program Manager) Margaret Peel (Qld) John Mayo (Qld) Brett Howard (SA) Tessa Jupp (WA)
Seated (L to R): Gillian Thomas (NSW) Jill Pickering (Post Polio Victoria) Page 6
Volume 2, Issue 4
Coenzyme Q10 Clinical Trial by Dr Margaret M Peel randomly assigned to one of potentially contribute significant 18 December 2012 two groups. One group is issued fatigue, e.g. diabetes, anaemia, with a two-month supply of fibromyalgia and thyroid A clinical trial on ‘Coenzyme CoQ10 capsules and the other deficiency (hypothyroidism). Q 10 for alleviation of the with capsules that contain no Others to be excluded are those fatigue of Post Polio CoQ10 (placebo). Fatigue levels being treated with warfarin Syndrome or Late Effects of are assessed by questionnaires (because of interference with Polio’ is now underway at that are completed before the appropriate dosage by CoQ10) Queensland’s Griffith start of trial (baseline) and after and those already taking CoQ10 University. the two-month period of taking on a regular basis. the capsules. At the end of the The research team consists of two-month period, participants It is important that volunteer Dr Margaret Peel, who has Post are asked to present to a participants experience a Polio Syndrome and who pathology collection centre for moderate to high level of experienced relief of her blood sampling for the generalized fatigue that they generalized fatigue by oral determination of CoQ10 blood attribute primarily to Post Polio intake of coenzyme Q10 levels. High levels in the group Syndrome or Late Effects of (CoQ10), Ms Helen McKay, who taking CoQ10 capsules will Polio. first proposed and designed the confirm compliance and validate Permission has now been original research project, and findings. Participants are not granted by GU HREC to extend Professors Marie Cooke and asked to present at Griffith recruitment into New South Wendy Moyle of the Research University at any time. If CoQ10 Wales in the next phase of the Centre for Clinical and is found to relieve fatigue, then research project to make up the Community Practice Innovation each participant in the placebo shortfall in required numbers. at Griffith University. The group will be issued with a free, project is being funded by the two-month supply of CoQ10 This clinical trial represents the British ‘Cancer and Polio capsules. first significant research project Research Fund’. The trial has on polio survivors with Post been registered with the Recruitment in Queensland has Polio Syndrome/Late Effects of Australian New Zealand Clinical resulted in 58 volunteers, which Polio (PPS/LEOP) to be Trials Registry and has been falls short of the minimum of undertaken in Australia. A approved by the Griffith 100 required by the study positive outcome should lead to University Human Research design. A major problem that better management of one of Ethics Committee (GU HREC). limits recruitment is the need to the most debilitating symptoms exclude those with medical of PPS/LEOP. Volunteer participants are conditions (co-morbidities) that
Polio: It’s not over
The following excerpt is from an thousands across the nation having to deal with LEOP, the article which appears on Page 3 following rolling epidemics from lost health records are a curse of the Australian Patients the 1930s through to the because governments do not Association “The Patients’ 1960s. know the size of the problem Voice” newsletter—Summer and what resources to put Edition 2012. It was written by If someone asked the question, behind it – and for similar John Mayo, General Manager - “How many people were reasons, it is not on the radar Community Development, affected?” we cannot give a for GPs. Spinal Injuries Association, number because we simply do For me, who had polio as a Queensland, and a member of not know – and we need to child, the information came in Polio Australia’s Committee of know. Why, you ask? Isn’t polio 1994 from a Canadian specialist Management. eradicated? Yes, it is in Australia (though not in all countries) but visiting Brisbane following a One of the great health eradication is not the issue: the polio seminar which he had mysteries in Australia is the discovery of the Late Effects of presented in New Zealand. lack of records about polio, a Polio (LEOP) is. For many disease which affected thousands of Australians now Read the full article here. Page 7
Polio Oz News
Touched By Polio Art Exhibition
Polio Australia’s “Touched by history will not only be of Polio” Art Exhibition project is interest to the post-polio now underway, with 24 artists community, but to on the mainland currently school children and the working on 14 legs and 22 public alike. It is a stark torsos, and a visit to John reminder of our pre- Semmens in Tasmania immunisation era. confirming that he has 10 artists waiting for him to create The mainland artists are pieces for them to work on. working to get their pieces completed and This exhibition will provide the returned to Polio opportunity to tell the story of Australia by the end of Australia’s polio survivors, from January for a possible childhood polio through to the launch in March. senior years and their Completed pieces will be experience of polio’s late photographed and effects. uploaded to Polio Australia’s website and The “Touched by Polio” featured on our new exhibition comprises a display Prototype made by Angela Casabene “Hot News!” page. of individual artworks using plaster cast legs and torsos as We are still searching for a We are also pleased to have the the base. The artists’ creative suitable venue to launch the interest of St Giles, who are expressions will be many and exhibition in Melbourne, and celebrating 75 years of working varied and the mediums used also seeking assistance to move in the community during 2013. will include textiles, paint, it up the coast to Sydney. If you St Giles Society has a long decoupage, and anything else are able to assist in any way, history of working with polio they think of. please contact Mary-ann. survivors.
Most of the artists are polio Participating artists on the The timeframe for Tasmania’s survivors themselves, or mainland are: launch is for May 2013. It is related to polio survivors in Pauline Baxter (Vic), Elizabeth envisaged that the first two some way. All will provide a Brand (NSW), Maureyn Brees weeks of the exhibition will take story of how they have been (Vic), Angela Casabene (Vic), place in a new wing of “touched by polio” to be Wendy Davies (NSW), Merilyn Launceston Hospital, and the displayed next to their work. Dixon (Vic), Glenys Donnelly second two weeks at a new St (Vic), Bridgett Froehlich (Vic), Giles facility in Hobart. These artworks are a symbolic Margaret Greig (NSW), Fran means of transforming the pain Henke (Vic), Joan Smith (Vic), Apart from John Semmens, of polio rehabilitation into a Dianne Kennedy (Vic), David other contributing artists in thing of beauty and value. Ladley (Qld), John Marsh Tasmania will be: Brian Abraham, Paul Byard, In addition to the artworks (NSW), Judith Maxwell (Vic), Ross Byers, Karl Huttenmeister there will be a looped visual Heather O’Flaherty (Qld), (Vic), Catriona Maclaine, Sarah presentation of children Ekaterina Panourgias (Vic), McLean, Mish Mejers, James wearing plaster casts and Trish Sidway (Vic), Nola Stewart Newton, Tricky Walsh, and callipers. (Vic), Florence Stone (Vic), Marguerite Tierney (Vic), Petrea Zdun. There will also be a looped Margaret Watson (Vic), Ros All the artworks will be for sale audio soundtrack of polio Wilkins (Qld), and Marlene throughout the exhibition, with survivors talking about their Wookey (Vic). auctions planned at each of the experience of childhood polio launches. The proceeds will go and how they are now living In Tasmania, Orthotist and towards supporting Polio with the late effects of polio. Artist, John Semmens, has taking on the role of Project Australia’s programs. It is believed that this piece of Manager for his state. Page 8
Polio Oz News
Polio Register Promoted on “Australia All Over”
Known to Australia and indeed the world as “Macca”, Ian McNamara joined the ABC over thirty years ago. Today Ian presents the National Sunday Breakfast program Australia All Over.
As the presenter of Australia All Over, Macca has the opportunity to talk to people from many walks of life. With an affable, easy manner and an understanding of the issues faced by those living with a This graph shows increased interest in Polio Australia’s website following the disability, Macca has been a broadcast and resulted in a flurry of new registrations. wonderful ambassador for Ability First Australia, of which On Sunday 10 December 2012, need for all polio survivors now Polio Australia is a member. Lyn Glover (Convener of the living in Australia (whether they Gold Coast Post-Polio Support contracted polio in this country Macca did a wonderful job to Network and one of Polio or not) to sign up to the officiate at the National Launch Australia’s social media Australian Polio Register. You of Walk with Me in 2011, and champions) spoke to Macca can listen to Lyn’s interview continues to champion for about Polio Australia’s “We’re here by courtesy of the ABC. Ability First Australia whenever Still Here!” Campaign and the possible. The Calliper Kids
The Calliper Kids is a self-published book of eleven life journeys of polio survivors produced by the Knox-Yarra Ranges (Victoria) Polio Support Group in 2009.
In the Foreword, Joan Smith, Project co-ordinator, writes “As a polio survivor and convenor of the Knox-Yarra Ranges Polio Support Group, I invite you to join our storytellers in celebrating the defeat of childhood polio through tenacity and determination. Many achieved careers, raised families and took on leadership roles – ordinary people who achieved some extraordinary tasks, just by living everyday lives. However, as midlife arrives, we have to face the challenges of polio again and, as our stories reveal, make significant changes.”
The group printed a number of books, which have all been sold. Joan is now inviting everyone to read these stories online or download them from Polio Australia’s website here. Page 9
Polio Oz News
Remembering Miss Valda Lamond
by Anne Flack eldest of three daughters, born in 1952. So her working life in Earlier this year I received the Melbourne would have been copy of a book called The between 1949 and 1952. Calliper Kids, published by the Knox-Yarra Ranges Polio I also became a physiotherapist, Support Group. My cousin, who so my Mother shared some is a nurse at one of the doctor’s stories of her early working life surgeries in the area had read with me because of our shared the book, and recognised the profession; but, interestingly, I name of the physiotherapist didn't study a lot about polio. during our childhood in referred to in one of the stories Graduating in the mid-1970s, Melbourne, and Auntie Lois (as - a Miss Lamond - as probably not a lot of information was we knew her) was my younger being her Aunt! She forwarded passed on, nor have I ever sister's godmother. And again, I the book to me in Sydney, and worked with polio. So at the wish I could remember more of with some excitement we both time when she could have her stories; as, for example, I agreed that the person referred passed on more information remember being told of her to in "Helen's Story", was about her work with polio, I career in the army in WW2, and indeed my Mother, Valda didn’t ask the questions; I was with other nurses, she survived Lamond, who worked as a busy being a new generation imprisonment in a Japanese physiotherapist in Melbourne in physio! I am often asked if I prisoner-of-war camp. My the late 1940s. I am amazed became a physio because of my Mother first met Lois at Mt Eliza and impressed that Helen mother. I don’t honestly know, at the beginning of the polio actually remembered her as for much of my school life outbreak, but I’m not sure if physio's name as Miss Lamond! my mother didn’t work, as was my Mother also worked with Helen would have been quite the norm for young women with her at Lady Duggan. young at the time. families in the 1950s and 1960s. However, I can say I I do wonder if anyone else My Mother, Valda Morcom, nee was interested in a medical might remember being treated Lamond, died in 1979, well over career, and I did grow up by Valda Lamond, or remember 30 years ago, so it is exciting to knowing a lot about Matron Ditchburn. I really read a reference to her after all physiotherapy. And I suppose, enjoyed reading The Calliper this time. She graduated as a as it was true for my mother in Kids, understanding a bit more physiotherapist at the end of the 1940s, and also true for me about polio myself and WW2, just at the outbreak of in the 1960s, it was a good particularly reading the another polio epidemic in profession, especially for a personal stories that have been Australia. I do remember being woman, with a variety of shared; and wish my Mother told a little of her early working employment opportunities. I’m had been alive to read it. I life, and remember she talked sure knowing something about think that having been so mostly about working at that being a physiotherapist was a involved in those early days in time with those who had major influence, and watching the treatment of polio, she contracted polio. When she first my mother return to work in the would have appreciated the graduated I think she worked at 10 years or so before she died, importance and recognition of Frankston and at Mt Eliza. Her successfully working part-time, the Late Effects of Polio and stories included working with perhaps swayed my decision to Post Polio Syndrome and its the children, lots of plastering choose physiotherapy over subsequent management. of limbs, and splints, and then other possible allied health It is quite exciting to explore a of mobilisation and massage. I professions. bit of my Mother's history after know she had some patients in all this time, and I would really an iron lung. The details are In reading The Calliper Kids I like to hear from any readers vague in my mind, as this was also recognised another name, who knew her and can share all before I was born, and I Matron Ditchburn from Lady their stories about ‘Miss Valda wish I knew more of her Duggan Red Cross Home in Lamond’. I can be contacted by working life then. She was Malvern. Lois Ditchburn was a email here. married in 1949, and I am the very good friend of my Mother's Page 10
Volume 2, Issue 4
G i v e E a s y
Polio Australia recently You can download the GiveEasy app on your iPad registered as a ‘donee’ or iPhone via http://tinyurl.com/c2au595 or view with GiveEasy. the webpage at www.giveeasy.org
GiveEasy has created a Polio Australia’s profile reads: free mobile application, which is now being used Did you know that polio survivors make up the by the public and is largest single physical disability group in downloadable through Australia? Yes, We’re Still Here! A donation to the apple store, which Polio Australia will result in vital and life changing they believe is the intervention programs for the polio community, future of giving and in fact a mobile, giving and ensuring that people can continue their social revolution. contributions to society, maintain quality of life, and stay out of the acute care health system. We GiveEasy facilitates donations for charities receive no government funding so rely totally on allowing donors to give any time, anywhere in a philanthropy. simpler, smart and more social way.
Laura Benini is an Australian owned business and all shoes are made to order in Australia, using only quality leather. They have over 150 different leathers in a variety of colours and textures which have been sourced from around the world. Combine this with a variety of styles to choose from and you have endless opportunities to express your hidden designer.
Laura Benini specialise in sizes 5 through to 11 (selected styles are available up to size 12), including 1/2 sizes. Their prices range from $100 through to $300 depending on the season and style.
They are able to produce different sizes without limitations and over the years they have produced hundreds of pairs of shoes for people with different sized feet. The “Laura Benini” brand is mainly sold via direct selling, but for anyone in Sydney, they are welcome to go into the factory.
Visit www.laurabenini.com for more information. The site has pictures of the styles and a list of contacts for the consultants in various states. Contact the consultant to secure a private presentation of the current season’s range. Page 11
Polio Oz News
TThe i t l eStory of Our Beautiful Daughter by Kimablee Elizabeth Apps who felt the first dose was not walk herself. Sunday night (nee Keyvar) unsuccessful. This vaccination was the most terrifying night, would have been done as Kimbalee’s head was dipping midweek. I can’t say for sure if further back, which I now know it was the following weekend was to help her breathe easier. but these are the events that We went to RNSH very early on commenced on a Saturday Monday morning as I was morning . . . worried and she was finding it hard to breathe at this stage. I It started as a normal day, and had no idea what the problem I was going to see my parents. was. The doctors kept I was bathing the girls when I mentioning a virus! realised that my eldest daughter had broken out in spots, and The paediatrician came Kimbalee could not stand up - immediately and ordered more her legs would not support her. tests. Other doctors also I rang the local doctor at examined Kimbalee and said Northbridge and he said bring that she could have polio. them both up straight away and Because of this, they had her leave the oldest girl in the car. transferred to Prince Henry He came out of the surgery and Hospital that afternoon - the diagnosed my eldest daughter hospital for infectious diseases. with German measles, then They also asked me not to asked me to bring Kimbalee speak with anyone regarding inside his surgery. Kimbalee.
He did the normal reflex tests We were admitted at Prince and tried to coax her into Henry Hospital and, again, walking. He then said to take many tests were done on her home and he would arrange Kimbalee. The decision was for another doctor to visit her at made at 11:00 pm to transfer home that afternoon. Both he her to Prince of Wales Hospital th Kimbalee was born on 27 and the other doctor arrived in Randwick. The doctor told January 1971 at Royal North later that day and tried to me that they could not get an Shore Hospital (RNSH), St encourage Kimbalee to walk or ambulance and asked us to Leonards, Sydney NSW around crawl, to no avail. Later that drive her in our car with a lunch time on a Wednesday. evening they admitted Kimbalee doctor present. So at about Kimbalee is the second into RHSN. Under a 1:00 am we arrived at the daughter of Garry and Robyn paediatrician, the emergency Prince of Wales Hospital, with Keyvar. She weighed in at 6lbs doctors examined her and Kimbalee on a ventilator where and was a normal baby. decided to perform a lumbar she saw Dr Darcy O’Gorman Kimbalee did all the normal puncture. They had also called Hughes, as well as many other things for her age like crawling the head paediatrician who neurosurgeons and doctors. and walking. came into the room and took More tests were done, and they As per the Baby Health Centre over the management of Kimbalee, with some very harsh also tried to capture her urine guidelines she was immunised flow. I remember Kimbalee against measles, whopping words to the other doctors. He examined Kimbalee and told me lying in a cot, naked, with a cough, etc, these were all done hole in the bottom of the by injections. The immunisation to take her home and return to his rooms on Monday. mattress to catch her urine for polio was given via oral flow. At this stage, Kimbalee dosage at Willoughby Council On the Sunday, I nursed had a tube going through her Chambers at 13-14 months of Kimbalee most of the day or nose, was completely age. Kimbalee vomited up the took her for walks in her stroller paralysed, and her eyes had first dose and was given due to the fact that she could gone crossed. another dose by the clinic nurse Cont’d P 12 Page 12
Volume 2, Issue 4
The Story of Our Beautiful Daughter ( C o n t ’ d )
Dr O’Gorman Hughes diagnosed lasted for a week, as the kindergarten as she was very Kimbalee with Guillain-Barre physiotherapist had contracted dependent on me and she Syndrome. We did not know hepatitis. With that, Kimbalee would be starting school in the what the outcome would be. had to be immunised and put following year. Kimbalee was back into isolation again. very unsettled at first but Kimbalee spent a total of 18-20 gradually settled in. I was also weeks in Prince of Wales After we came out of isolation told that she was under no Hospital. She was a long time the second time, I was allowed circumstances to be given any in intensive care with a to take her for long walks injections, such as tetanus. The personal doctor and nurse at around the grounds of the doctor told me that any her bed most times. hospital in a stroller and we saw injection could commence the some great sights in and around One of the female doctors came paralysis all over again. the hospital grounds. All this Kimbalee went to school with to me and asked “which brother time Kimbalee was being fed did you marry?” and I said phone numbers of many family through a tube so she members who could be rung in Garry. She said her name was maintained her normal body Dr Hanna Rowan and she grew case anything happened to her. weight. The physiotherapist up in the same street as my continued after we came out of Kimbalee had a happy husband and his brother. She isolation and she was fitted with childhood life in primary school. told me “I will make sure full length callipers to assist her I did not restrict her in any Kimbalee is going to be alright”. to walk. areas, as long as she felt Hanna became our doctor in comfortable with what she intensive care for the whole I think we left hospital when undertook in the way of school period we were there. During Kimbalee was about 20-22 sports. this time Kimbalee developed months old, with glasses and German measles and we went callipers. We did a lot of It was in her teenage years that into an isolation room in physiotherapy and continually she started to develop intensive care. Kimbalee visited the hospital for another dislocating kneecaps and continued to have many two years. underwent repeated operations neurological tests done on her. to tighten the ligaments to keep Kimbalee was fitted with half leg her knees in place. I can’t remember if it was a callipers and then graduated to change in her eyes but one day specially made boots with high I am not sure if this was caused I noticed her fingers move. I sides. Over the next few years by the paralysis but the doctors was told that the paralysis was we were always with the physio were certainly very interested moving down her body. She or the boot makers. Once she when I spoke about Guillain- was fitted with very strong was completely out of the Barre and commented that she glasses to counteract the cross callipers, Kimbalee was fitted was a very lucky girl. eyed condition. At this stage, every three months with Kimbalee had droopy hands and specially-made ankle high LOVE YOU BIG TIME—YOUR could not hold anything. The boots. We had them made in all MUM !!! paralysis took a long time to different colours – red, blue and travel down her lower limbs. green. I dressed her in very Thanks mum, now a bit from me about my older years. The best thing was seeing her vibrant colours that always smile - she did it a lot with her matched her boots. I was in my late 20’s when I eyes but not her mouth - and When she was home I also put noticed I was experiencing a lot when she did, it was beautiful. more pain, especially in the her to bed each night with Kimbalee became very strong plaster cast supports to hold her shoulders and hips. I had in the upper body and was feet in an upright position. The always had knee pain due to having physiotherapy daily to callipers or boots were worn my many operations. I improve her muscle strength. throughout the day. originally put the shoulder pain The physio actually laid her on down to cradling my newborn a skate board setup and that is When Kimbalee was about four son. Over the next few years how she got around, pushing years of age, the doctors said and after my second son, I was herself with her arms. This only that I should put her into really struggling with pain and Page 13
Volume 2, Issue 4
The Story of Our Beautiful Daughter ( C o n t ’ d )
extremely high which could have concluded that most of my suggest a motor neurone motor neurons died with the problem. I was always very polio. Apparently, my muscles mindful about polio and read a and joints are that of a woman lot of articles about the disease. in her 70’s (and I’m only in my I Googled polio and found Polio early 40’s). I work in radiology Australia, who suggested I and have had several tests done contact Post-Polio NSW. I then which confirmed my muscles rang and asked if they knew of and joints are that of an older any good neurologists who lady. My GP finally agreed to me specialised in GB or polio. They having Post Polio Syndrome kindly suggested a Professor at when I showed her all the Concord Hospital. My whole symptoms and how I ticked so family came along to my many many boxes. We both had a visits and again a barrage of major ‘light bulb moment’. tests were ordered including blood, MRI and nerve So in 2012, I’m now 41 years conduction studies. old. I suffer from general fatigue including muscle fatigue The Professor was fascinated and chronic joint and muscular with my case and noticed I had pain. I get ‘the shakes’ a lot, relying on painkillers daily. bad lower limb spasticity among snore badly (my poor hubby) other things. He contacted a and generally can’t do half of With the struggles of two boys neurologist from Prince of Wales what I used to do. I have my under two, working (part time), who actually treated me in 1972 “woe be me” days but consider and the pain, I eventually took and arranged for us to meet myself lucky in so many other myself off to the doctor. She and go over my records. Both ways. I have a very supportive, did some tests and suggested I doctors agreed that I actually loving and caring family see a Rheumatologist who had polio and not Guillain-Barre including my husband, two boys suggested losing weight, Syndrome. I have had several and wonderful parents. I may exercise and steroid injections nerve conduction studies where be old and withered on the (so he was no help, really). My they stick a long metal needle inside but I’m as fresh as a blood test showed that my deep into your muscle without daisy on the outside (most creatine kinase levels were any local anaesthetic and these days).
Sister Kenny Testimonials
Mrs Lorna Rickert, Secretary/Treasurer at the Sister Kenny House in Nobby, Queensland, has compiled a new 80 page book based on comments written in the visitors book over the years.
To find out more, contact:
Mrs Lorna Rickert Secretary/Treasurer Sister Kenny House 376 Rickert Road Nobby Qld 4360 Phone: (07) 4696 3181
The cost is approximately $20.00 (including postage). Page 14
Volume 2, Issue 4
Sister Kenny: 60 Years On by Heather Hubert
I have recently read three books about Sister Kenny. Some of the information I already knew and the rest came from what I read, although they are not direct quotes.
Two books have been written about Sister Elizabeth and the controversy surrounding her: "Sister Kenny" by Victor Cohn and "Sister Elizabeth Kenny" by Wade Alexander.
Sister Kenny also wrote her own auto biography in the book "And They Shall Walk". The book by Wade Alexander is available at the Memorial Centre in Nobby or from Lorna Rickert, Ph: 07 4696 3181. time, she found herself in accepted method of treating
The 30th November marked 60 continual conflict with many in Polio was to immobilise the years since the death of Sister the medical profession. affected limbs in an effort to Elizabeth Kenny. Sister Kenny However, in spite of this, she protect them from damage. was born in Warialda NSW, in was able to open clinics in However Sister Kenny 1880. As her family moved to Queensland, New South Wales adamantly proclaimed that the the Nobby district while and Victoria, thus helping many muscles needed to be re- Elizabeth was still young, her young people. She also travelled educated and kept moving as school years were spent in to England and Europe in order much as possible, so it was with Queensland. It is in Nobby that to bring relief to children in a series of heat treatments and a Memorial Centre was built to these countries who had gentle exercises that she was celebrate her life. This centre contacted this dreaded disease. able not only to relieve the pain, but gradually encourage the holds a display of many aspects In 1940 she travelled to the USA of Sister Kenny's work, muscles to perform their normal where she hoped she would find function. together with stories from support for her system of several of her patients and treatment. Although she again One of the lasting consequences letters of gratitude. found herself to be in conflict of her work with Polio victims
Sister Kenny joined the Army with medical practitioners, she was to raise the awareness of during the First World War and gained the support of the needs of people with helped to care for many Orthopaedic surgeons in disabilities, who at that time wounded soldiers as they were Minneapolis, where she experienced considerable returned to Australia on the eventually opened a teaching neglect. facility. Sister Kenny's work in "Dark Ships". The photo (above) was in the the United States was supported It was early in the 20th by the influential National Courier Mail in Brisbane on 17th century, Sister Kenny Foundation for Infantile Paralysis March 1940 not long before developed a treatment which and throughout the 1940s she Sister Kenny went to the USA. relieved the symptoms of the was one of the most respected As you can see there are then dreaded disease of Polio women in America, second only several patients including (then known as Infantile to Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt. myself and some of Sister Paralysis). Because her Kenny's ‘technicians’, as she treatment was so different to The main source of her conflict called them. I am the little one the accepted treatment of the was due to the fact that the down the front in the centre. Page 15
Volume 2, Issue 4
The Story of Ros
The following is an excerpt records, if they still exist. (ii) A family. Distressed, she from “The Story of Ros”, further Toowoomba Chronicle screamed that her mother also one of our ‘new’ polio article of February 22, 1955 had to go to hospital and stay survivors on the Gold Coast. reporting that Toowoomba with her. To comfort the child, Read the full story here. Hospital authorities her wonderful mother did, acknowledged 8 polio cases for indeed, carry one additional Once upon a time there February with a total of 16 port (suitcase), no doubt was a happy-go-lucky little girl notified during the summer empty but effective. who lived in Clifton, a small period. The child was one of the There was never a memory of country town on the Darling 16. being admitted only of waking Downs in Queensland, and she Secondly, on its way to up alone, no mother, no port, got polio; acute anterior Toowoomba, the ambulance just herself in a bed pushed poliomyelitis they later said. passed through the tiny town of into the corner of a dingy Christmas had gone and it was Nobby, synonymous with Sister room. There was a large, dark now late January, 1955 and Kenny, but the child was asleep box shape on four legs she was 7 ½ years old. and too young to realise that standing just off to the left It was hot and dusty. Flies detail had any significance to which was scary. They came hovered over the dung on the her until many years later. In and asked her to get out of bed ground where a few animals fact, it’s logistically possible and walk for them; a strange were tethered further up the that, as the ambulance sped on request she thought but, when street, but there was its way through Nobby, it she tried to walk, she couldn’t excitement because the circus probably passed close to Sister feel her legs as they gave out had come to town. That Kenny’s final resting place as from under her and she excitement didn’t last long for she died 26 months, to the day, collapsed. her family though, as she beforehand. In 1911, Sister Her next memory was of being quickly became very ill and Kenny opened St Candice’s in a different bed, in a different was rushed to the Toowoomba Cottage Hospital in Clifton room with a couple of other Base Hospital about an hour to where she successfully treated patients but only one was in the north. a number of polio victims. In her line of vision. An older, sad 1955, the year the child fell ill, Two significant things occurred her final book, ‘My Battle and -eyed girl who, when their eyes that final January day. The first Victory: History of the connected, never spoke to the concerned horror crashes on Discovery of Poliomyelitis as a child. In fact the child thought the Toowoomba Range with Systemic Disease’ was she must be angry at her. heavy loss of life and injuries. published posthumously in Undressed, the older girl was In fact, six adults and children London, UK. very pale and thin. When the died and seventeen others child did risk a look, her eyes were injured that day. There Coincidences, definitely, but could not help but focus on the were long delays as many of these coincidences make me poor girl’s sunken tummy with the damaged and dying were feel a wee bit warm and fuzzy two pale hip bones, like fins rushed to the same hospital as and with health issues rising up above her body and this very sick child, destined predominating much of my life, sort of curving in a bit at the for the isolation wing. there has not been a lot of that top. Poor girl. stuff about the place for a long Credit here to the Local History time so I’ll take what I can get. The child’s new bed was beside and Robinson Collections, a window that had a type of Toowoomba City Library, for The child’s father was a very cage covered with chicken-wire promptly locating newspaper experienced and informed effectively stopping outsiders articles; (i) Reporting the ambulance superintendent so from getting too close. Might tragedy, thus confirming diagnosis would have been have had her loving dad in January 31, 1955 as the date swift. She cried and cried when mind? I understand they the child was hospitalised. This the doctor told her parents that reprimanded him some weeks information will also assist in she had to go without delay to later because, encouraged by the retrieval of hospital a hospital so far from her her progress, he had asked if Cont’d P 16 Page 16
Volume 2, Issue 4
The Story of Ros ( C o n t ’ d )
weeks ago, it belonged in the past, seemingly having little relevance to today. I’d even thought that the course of three vaccinations (April 1957 to June 1958) were the reason why I had never progressed to Post Polio or Late Effects of Polio (LEoP). In fact, I’ve always had a strong belief in my own ability to heal and I’m positive that belief has its origins in my recovery that year. That belief has also not been a bad thing when enduring later health episodes but now it’s being tested.
NOW BACK TO FIVE WEEKS AGO I don’t sleep well at night. In fact, I haven’t slept well for many, many years due to pain anywhere between my head and my heels, generally over much of the 5 foot 3 ½ inches of me. Used to be 5 foot 4 ½ inches but I lost a little bit along the way … as some of us do. Now, up until about five weeks ago, I accepted this pain was due to any or all of the health issues which I have mentioned towards the end of this story. I don’t want to bore anyone too early in the piece she could try to stand for him lot of this. It was almost like but, as they are relevant, I feel to show how well she had Christmas in another sense they should be included improved. And I think she did with presents in her line of somewhere. show him. Mind you, this was vision waiting for her to be able the man who years later saved to play with them. Great Years ago I learnt that it was her paralysed old dog, by using encouragement to get better harder to get to sleep at night his skills over months to get for children! There were by quietening my thoughts and him walking again. The vet had colouring books and crayons, trying to relax. My stimulated wanted to put him down when picture books to be read and brain and constant and varied he saw him after he had been there was this rather pretty thoughts through the day hit by a car and left to die pink toothbrush with ‘things’ on helped me keep the edge off beside the roadway. Some it. All these new treasures could my pain. I knew it was there, it people, like my late father, are not be taken when she left still hurt, but, in effect, by skilled, natural healers. isolation. keeping my thoughts moving I could keep it controllable. There are memories of hot, wet As you’ve no doubt guessed, I Without that brain clutter, the grey blankets being wrapped was the child and this was my savage strength of the pain around her body and of people story, written in the third would rush in to fill every core moving her limbs. There was a person because, up until five of my being. It got to be that I Page 17
Volume 2, Issue 4
The Story of Ros ( C o n t ’ d ) was scared to go to bed at hear what others have had to much of my story is written on night and I was already sleep deal with, many for most of most pages of Polio Australia’s deprived because of a life- their lives. recent paper, The Late Effects altering overuse injury that of Polio: Introduction to Clinical occurred late 1999. Anyway, I didn’t hear the Practice. Importantly, I’ve caller’s name but, in the come across this now rather Anyway, for some time now, morning, I tried to track her than further down the track. I’ve kept a small radio beside down. I was born on the That’s a positive. my bed and listened to a talk- Darling Downs, she said she back show through the night. lived on the Downs so I With sufficient lead time for I’ve found a whole new world Googled ‘Post-Polio, Darling this article, I have been able to out there; a world full of Downs’. There was a group pace myself, writing a bit each people like myself who don’t photo, an editorial and a name day, generally starting about sleep so well. The volume is and phone number at the end. four o’clock each morning. I kept low enough so it doesn’t I rang that number and have a lot of trouble with my intrude but high enough so my Deborah Khan of Toowoomba shoulders and neck and, as ‘good’ ear hears most of what’s answered. Deborah said she typing is a manual repetitive being said. Eyes shut, just was the person I heard on the activity which I rarely do listening until that blesséd radio. We spoke for ages and nowadays, it’s been necessary moment where my conscious have had a number of for me to manage this mind is no longer aware and conversations since. exercise, bit by bit, piece at a I’ve drifted off. Sometimes it time. In fact, I only have takes a while. Sometimes, I She encouraged me there and access to emails and the come awake and it’s incredible then to contact Spinal Injuries internet via my small Android that I woke up in the middle of Association (SIA) in Brisbane, phone. The computer is my the night about five weeks ago to include my name on Polio son’s old uni laptop. to a particular conversation. Australia’s register and also to liaise with Lyn Glover, Importantly, if I hadn’t agreed The announcer was talking to a facilitator of The Gold Coast to Mary-ann’s request for my woman about polio. I recall she Post Polio Network, fortunately story, I would have remained mentioned it was Polio less than a thirty minute drive unhappily in ignorance Awareness Month which I no from my home. believing that my once hard- longer thought had any direct working brain could no longer relevance to me but the caller I made the calls, a couple of string a few intelligent was articulate, inspiring, she days later I was going through sentences together. I had high had a message and that the kit promptly provided by standards of myself when message got my attention. SIA and soon after that I was working and there’ve been meeting members of my new times these past couple of You could have knocked me Post Polio Network. In fact, at years when I’d tell my friends over with a feather, as they the time of writing, I have that I was finding it hard to say. I was hearing possible attended two local meetings think up a few good adjectives. answers to questions that my very capably run by Lyn. It’s a So, I hope you enjoy or GP and I had been chasing for new world for me again and I’m otherwise benefit from this some time. That was good but keen to learn as much as I can story as much as I feel I will it was also bad and I had a few while contributing, where I benefit from writing it, because down moments over the next capably can. thoughts have been flowing few weeks until I took this on thick and fast. It’s been board. In fact, if I’m honest, AND SO, IN CONCLUSION stimulating. A bit of proof I’m sure I will have more of Collectively, the above health reading will, hopefully, pick up these moments, I believe the issues have taken my focus for the odd word I’ve inadvertently key is in educating myself via a long time so I was a wee bit used but this has been so very the resources that are now shattered when I finally good for me. available to me and contact understood the import of the with like-afflicted people, message I was hearing five Thank you Mary-ann. though I am humbled when I weeks ago. Suffice to say, so Page 18
Volume 2, Issue 4
Deadly Immunisation Brawl Reignites by Sue Dunlevy diseases like whooping cough. Source: News Limited Network While 92 per cent of 12-15 25 November 2012 month old babies have been immunised against whooping A U S T R A L I A ' S m o s t cough, Professor Frazer said this distinguished scientists disease spreads more easily claim the anti-immunisation when the rate falls below 95 per lobby is endangering cent. children's lives as the number of parents refusing Health department figures show to vaccinate their children there were over 7,100 cases of rises sixfold. whooping cough recorded around Australia in the first Amid increasing concern over three months of 2012. the issue, and with statistics showing one in 12 Australian Nossal said the anti-vaccination had a conscientious objection babies are not fully immunised, lobby is only able to campaign recorded. twelve top researchers will this against immunisation because of the very success of week go into battle against The 20 page booklet explains to vaccination in reducing the those who warn of perceived parents who may be worried outbreak of infectious diseases. h e a l t h d a n g e r s f r o m about vaccine side effects that vaccinations. Professor Frazer says it is only three in every 10,000 children who receive the Professor Ian Frazer, who because parents no longer see measles, mumps, rubella invented the cervical cancer cases of measles or mumps that vaccine develop a fever high vaccine, says he fears they don't understand measles enough to cause seizures but immunisation levels for some can kill a child and cause brain 100 in 10,000 develop such a diseases are falling below those damage or that mumps can fever if they catch the disease. required to prevent deadly make a male sterile and that chicken pox can be fatal. outbreaks. One in four patients chronically infected with hepatitis B will die And eminent biologist Sir "As infectious diseases become from cirrhosis of the liver or Gustav Nossal has accused the less common people are less from liver cancer, this risk is anti-vaccination lobby of aware of the need to vaccinate reduced to almost zero after preventing the eradication of their children," Professor Frazer said. the hepatitis B vaccine. measles through its false claim that the vaccine against the And he notes it is a "brave The booklet tackles head on disease caused autism. decision" by parents not to claims by the anti-immunisation lobby that immunisation is A 20-page booklet to be immunise their child when the linked to autism and says launched on Monday explains child can't make that decision medical studies shows that the that many more children will themselves. incidence of autism in people die from diseases like measles, Children must be fully who had the measles, mumps, mumps, and diphtheria than immunised for their families to rubella vaccine is identical to will be harmed by the side claim the $726 Family Tax that of people who did not have effects of immunisation. Benefit supplement. it.
The booklet, launched by the However, one in twelve children The booklet is produced by the Academy of Science, will also have not been immunised and Australian Academy of Science explain why its better to gain the number of parents and parents can access the immunity from a vaccination registering a conscientious d o c u m e n t a t than from the disease. objection to immunisation has www.science.org.au/ Professor Frazer, who helped leapt sixfold from 0.23 per cent immunisation.html. in 1999 to 1.44 per cent. develop the document, warned of a dangerous drop-off in By 2012 over 30,000 children immunisation levels for Page 19
Polio Oz News
P a k i s t a n — 8 Polio Workers Killed in 2 Days
Source: news.com.au 20 December 2012
GUNMEN have shot dead a woman working on UN-backed polio vaccination efforts and her driver in northwestern Pakistan, officials say, raising to eight the number of people killed in the last 48 hours who were part of the immunisation drive.
The attack on the woman was one of five that took place on polio workers in northwestern Pakistan on Wednesday. One male polio worker was critically wounded, while the others managed to escape Photo: EPA/REHAN KHAN unharmed. Earlier in the day, gunmen shot a polio worker in the The recent killings prompted the UN's public health head in the city of Peshawar, wounding him critically, arm to suspend work on the vaccination drive in two said Janbaz Afridi, a senior health official in of Pakistan's four provinces on Wednesday, a major surrounding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. setback for a campaign that international health officials consider vital to contain the crippling disease On Tuesday, gunmen killed five female polio workers - but which Taliban insurgents say is a cover for three of them teenagers - in a series of attacks in espionage. Karachi, the capital of southern Sindh province, and a village outside Peshawar. Two men who were working No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. alongside the women were critically wounded in those Suspicion has fallen on the Pakistani Taliban because attacks. A male polio worker was also shot to death in of their virulent opposition to the polio campaign, but Karachi on Monday. the group's spokesman, Ahsanullah Ahsan, denied responsibility in a telephone call to The Associated Maryam Yunus, a spokeswoman for the UN World Press. Health Organization in Pakistan, said the group's polio staff have been pulled back from the field in Khyber Pakistan is one of only three countries where polio is Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh and asked to work from home endemic. Prevention efforts have managed to reduce until the vaccination campaign ends Wednesday. the number of cases in Pakistan by around 70 per cent this year compared to 2011. But the recent violence Officials in Karachi temporarily suspended the threatens to reverse that progress. vaccination campaign in the city after the shootings on Tuesday, but the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government Militants accuse health workers of acting as spies for ploughed ahead, not wanting to be cowed by the the US and claim the vaccine makes children sterile. violence. Taliban commanders in the troubled northwest tribal region have also said vaccinations can't go forward Several dozen polio workers and human rights until the US stops drone strikes in the country. activists protested against the killings in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, on Wednesday and demanded Insurgent opposition to the campaign grew last year security for the field staff. after it was revealed that a Pakistani doctor ran a fake vaccination program to help the CIA track down al- The Pakistani government and the UN have also Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, who was hiding in the condemned the attacks, saying they deprive Pakistan's town of Abbottabad in the country's northwest. most vulnerable populations - specifically children - of basic life-saving health interventions. The number of attacks this week on polio workers is unprecedented. They came as the government started Polio usually infects children living in unsanitary a three-day vaccination drive on Monday targeting conditions, attacks the nerves and can kill or paralyse. high risk areas of the country, part of an effort to A total of 56 polio cases have been reported in immunise millions of children under the age of five. Pakistan during 2012, down from 198 the previous year, according to the UN. Most of the new cases in The deadliest of Wednesday's attacks occurred in the Pakistan are in the northwest, where the presence of northwestern town of Charsadda, where the female militants makes it difficult to reach children. polio worker and her driver were gunned down, said senior government official Syed Zafar Ali Shah. See video on theage.com.au. Gunmen attacked two other polio teams in Charsadda and one in the town of Nowshera, but no one was hurt in those attacks, he said.
Page 20
Volume 2, Issue 4
Polio This Week
Source: Polio Global Eradication Initiative - as of Wednesday 12 December 2012
Wild Poliovirus (WPV) cases
Total cases Year-to-date 2012 Year-to-date 2011 Total in 2011*
Globally 213 571 650
- in endemic countries 208 281 341
- in non-endemic countries 5 290 309
Case break down by country
Year-to-date 2012 Year-to-date 2011 Date of most Countries Total in recent case WPV1 WPV3 W1W3 Total WPV1 WPV3 W1W3 Total 2011*
Pakistan 53 2 1 56 171 2 173 198 10-Nov-12
Afghanistan 34 34 61 61 80 19-Nov-12
Nigeria 98 20 118 36 10 46 62 17-Nov-12
India 1 1 1 13-Jan-11
Chad 5 5 122 3 125 132 14-Jun-12
DR Congo 88 88 93 20-Dec-11
Angola 5 5 5 07-Jul-11
Niger 1 1 3 5 22-Dec-11
CAR 2 2 4 08-Dec-11
China 18 18 21 09-Oct-11
Guinea 3 3 3 03-Aug-11
Kenya 1 1 1 30-Jul-11 Côte 36 36 36 24-Jul-11 d'Ivoire
Mali 7 7 7 23-Jun-11
Congo 1 1 1 22-Jan-11
Gabon 1 1 1 15-Jan-11
Total 190 22 1 213 508 63 0 571 650
Total in endemic 185 22 1 208 269 12 0 281 341 countries Total out- 5 0 0 5 239 51 0 290 309 break
Data in WHO as of 30 Aug 2011 for 2011 data and 11 Dec 2012 for 2012 data Page 21
Polio Oz News
Express Yourself!
2013 Polio Health and Wellness Retreat Body / Mind / Spirit South Australia in April 2013
Expression of Interest
Polio Australia will once again be facilitating its 4 day/3 night day Polio Health and Wellness Retreat for polio survivors and their partners from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 April, 2013. This time we will be enjoying the hospitability of the Stamford Grand in the delightful seaside suburb of Glenelg, South Australia. The holistic ‘Body / Mind / Spirit’ theme will continue and include:
Interactive group sessions and one-to-one consultation opportunities with a variety of allied health professionals Hydrotherapy and exercise options Latest orthotics, aids and equipment displays Seated Yoga and Meditation Sessions Activities To Keep The Mind Active Creative Workshops and Singing for Health Massage therapy
See details of previous Retreats at www.polioaustralia.org.au / What we do / Self Management
Polio Australia’s Health and Wellness Retreat—South Australia
Expression of Interest only
(Registration fees for 3 nights accomm, all meals and most activities = $400 pp double / $450 single)
Please provide me with more information on the 2013 Polio Health & Wellness Retreat when available.
Name:
Address:
Phone/s: Email:
Return to: Polio Health & Wellness Retreat, Polio Australia, PO Box 500, Kew East, VIC, 3102 or Email: [email protected]