FOLLOWING a recent polio scare, the proactive response by the Indian government is to be praised.

Although there have been no new cases in India since 2014, the government is taking no chances, and has vaccinated thousands against this potentially dangerous new strain of the virus.

India’s actions have saved significant time, money and potentially hardship down the line. Not only has it avoided the immediate and debilitating consequences of polio itself, it has also avoided the risk of Post Polio Syndrome (PPS) occurring in future. Although Polio was eradicated in Britain in 1988, we now live with the legacy of PPS, which affects up to 80 per cent of those who have contracted polio.

At the moment, the way we deal with PPS is patchy at best, particularly in terms of how primary care providers diagnose and treat the condition, which affects around 120,000 people in the UK.

Currently just seven per cent of the population have heard of PPS, and many wait years for a correct diagnosis, meaning they do not receive the support needed to better manage their condition and lifestyle. The sooner we act, the sooner those with PPS can receive the support they deserve.

If you would like more information about The British Polio Fellowship or need support living with PPS, please visit www.britishpolio.org.uk or call 0800 043 1935.

Ted Hill MBE

CEO, the British Polio Fellowship