Earlier this year, OBI received and distributed 550 wheelchairs to aid those suffering with polio symptoms and other ailments.

DAKAR, Senegal – Polio might seem like a disease of the past, but for people in developing countries, the virus is still alive and real today.

"Those who do fully recover might go on to develop post-polio syndrome (PPS) as many as 30 to 40 years after contracting polio," said Jon Cassel, Operation Blessing's outreach center director for French Africa. "In PPS, the damage done to the nerves during the disease causes an acceleration of the normal, gradual weakness due to aging."

Although the acute illness usually lasts less than 2 weeks, damage to the nerves could last a lifetime. Some patients with polio never regain full use of their limbs, which sometimes appear withered.

Earlier this year, OBI received and distributed 550 wheelchairs to aid those suffering with polio symptoms and other ailments.

"Polio is still a problem in Africa and handicaps far too many people here," Cassel said.

The wheelchairs were assembled in China and each came with a yellow tag with instructions printed in 11 languages. The sturdy, yet simple design of the chairs is also well-suited to handle Africa's rugged terrain.

Now, however, the chairs offer new mobility and freedom for disabled children and adults alike.

The wheelchairs were assembled in China and each came with a yellow tag with instructions printed in 11 languages.

The sturdy, yet simple design of the chairs is also well-suited to handle Africa's rugged terrain. 

"Everyone was so grateful to receive the chairs," Cassel said.

Polio is a contagious devastating disease that was virtually eliminated from the Western hemisphere in the second half of the 20th century but not around the world. In about 95 percent of cases, the virus produces no symptoms at all. In other cases, symptoms include upper respiratory infection, fever, sore throat or in more severe cases, meningitis or severe debilitation or paralysis

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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