For many weeks, local and international media have reported on the “first polio case in Papua New Guinea in 18 years”. He is a little boy named Gafo. The World Health Organization recently spoke to him and his family.
Gafo woke up early one morning in April with aching legs. Excited to play with his friends, the six-year-old boy ignored the pain, until he fell as he tried to get out of bed. His legs were so weak he could barely move.
Over the next two days, the pain got worse, even with his mother’s constant massaging. After a series of tests, polio was confirmed as the cause of Gafo’s paralysis.
Gafo’s parents understand that his paralysis has no cure, but they are determined to minimize his difficulty in moving with regular therapy from his new friend, Dr Winnie Sadua at Angau Memorial General Hospital.
His parents feel that Gafo has been instrumental in raising awareness of polio in Papua New Guinea. His plight paved the way for more children trooping to vaccination sites when the government launched mass polio vaccinations as part of the outbreak response.
“My son may not have the normal life we prayed for, but he will always be an exceptional boy,” said Gafo’s mother Soya. “What happened to my son has increased awareness of polio and many mothers are having their children vaccinated, saving these children from lifelong paralysis.”
Morobe Provincial Polio Response Coordinator, Mr Micah Yawing, echoed the sentiment: “This boy is a gift to the children of Papua New Guinea. Because of him, we are able to vaccinate and protect many children in Morobe Province. If it wasn’t for this kid, we probably still wouldn’t know that we have an outbreak on our hands. I hope that we can find the support he needs, especially for his education.”
In early September, Gafo was unable to walk. He had to be carried everywhere. Now with help from the Morobe Provincial Health Office and Angau Memorial General Hospital, Gafo receives regular check-ups and therapy.
He still cannot run. But he has developed a unique gait, moving rapidly to keep up with his friends and his sister Sola.
Next year, Gafo will start school. The thought lights him up with excitement: “I want to become a doctor -- giving injections to children and making them feel better when they are sick.” His parents hope that, with support from the Government and others, Gafo will receive a good education so that his dreams can come true.
This story is extracted from a report on the first 100 days of the polio response in Papua New Guinea.