Siyakha Consulting Highlights World Polio Day

Siyakha Consulting has been highlighting Polio, an acute viral infectious disease, to coincide with World Polio Day which is held annually on the 24 October. 

Many of the job candidates, with physical disabilities, that are assisted by Siyakha Consulting present with post-polio and have various physical impairments resulting from having contracted the disease. 

On entering the central nervous system the virus infects and destroys motor neurons, resulting in weakened muscles and paralysis. Different types of paralysis may occur, depending on the nerves involved. 

Spinal polio is the most common form, characterized by asymmetric paralysis that most often involves the legs. Bulbar polio leads to weakness of muscles activated by cranial nerves, whilst Bulbospinal polio is a combination of bulbar and spinal paralysis. 

"Following a dramatic increase in worldwide infections, very effective vaccination programmes began in the 1950s and enhanced efforts led by the World Health Organisation, UNICEF and Rotary International combine to work towards one day eradicating the disease," explains Siyakha Consulting's Executive Director, Dionne Kerr. 

There is no cure for polio, but the focus of modern treatment has been on providing relief of symptoms, speeding recovery and preventing complications.

Supportive measures include antibiotics, to prevent infections in weakened muscles; pain control; moderate exercise and a nutritious diet. 

Treatment of polio often requires long-term rehabilitation, including physical therapy and, in some cases, orthopaedic surgery. In cases where breathing is affected, portable ventilators may be required. 

"A job candidate with polio is likely to use one or two crutches to aid mobility. In the more severe case, they may utilise a walking frame. A raised shoe, callipers or braces may be used on one or both legs," says Kerr. 

It is thus important to provide reasonable accommodations in the workplace including lifts in the building, less clutter in the office to allow for easy access with crutches, and a foot stool. 

For more information, please contact Cathy van der Zwan at 011 706 9006 or email cathy@siyakha.co.za.