The team fights the scourge of poliomyelitis
Ajao, S.A.; Oyemade, G.A.
Prosthetics and Orthotics International 5(2): 68-74
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0309-3646 PMID: 7301524 DOI: 10.3109/03093648109145328Document Number: 220377
Poliomyelitis is still a medical problem in Nigeria, the aftermath of which leaves patients with muscular paralysis, contractures and abnormalities which require elaborate treatment. One thousand one hundred and twenty patients affected with poliomyelitis and treated at the polio-clinic of Physiotherapy Department of the University College Hospital, Ibadan were studied. The multi-disciplinary approach of a professional health team was used to integrate the polio victims back into the community so that they do not constitute an economic liability. A case of a poliomyelitis victim who resorted to crawling is illustrated, effective treatment being given by the team approach resulting in his ability to maintain himself in the community. The importance of prophylactic immunization to prevent the wide spread of the disease in the community is also stressed.