Every October, Polio Awareness Month shines a light on the tens of thousands of Australians living with Late Effects of Polio (LEoP).

Our message is simple: We’re Still Here.

Although Australia hasn’t experienced widespread outbreaks of polio for decades, the people who survived polio are still part of Australian communities. They are of all adult ages and from many cultures and backgrounds – including people who acquired polio overseas before migrating to Australia.

Many people may not realise that new or worsening health issues can be connected to their history of polio. LEoP can include daily fatigue, progressive paralysis, complex pain and mobility difficulties, sometimes emerging decades after the original infection.

This October, we’re asking Australian communities to learn, recognise and support polio survivors.

That means learning about LEoP, recognising that polio survivors are still living in communities across Australia, and considering how we can better support people living with the long-term effects of polio.

We’re also continuing to raise awareness of groups whose experiences may be overlooked, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander polio survivors and people who acquired polio overseas.

Throughout October, we will be:

Hosting online community Zoom chats for survivors and carers
Encouraging everyone to wear ORANGE during our October Zoom Chat (12-Oct) and throughout the month
Promoting Polio Awareness Months events taking place across Australia
Sharing polio survivor stories to ensure voices are heard and remembered
Encouraging people affected by polio and supporters to contact their local council or landmark and request an ORANGE illumination during October

Polio Awareness Month and World Polio Day

Polio Awareness Month and World Polio Day on 24 October have different purposes.

Polio Awareness Month focuses on the people who survived polio and the ongoing impact of the disease. World Polio Day focuses on the global effort to eradicate polio.

Both are important.

This October, join us in helping Australian communities learn about polio, recognise survivors and support those living with its long-term effects.