Rebuilding strength: A child's journey through polio rehabilitation

5 December 2024

After missing crucial vaccinations due to growing up in a remote area, an 11-year-old boy from Mimika District, Central Papua Province, became paralyzed in December 2023. The following month, he was diagnosed with variant type-1 polio.

In response, the Mimika District Health Office (DHO) collaborated with Karang Senang Primary Health Care Centre (puskesmas) and RSUD Mimika District hospital. Together, they built trust with the boy’s family and arranged support for medical care and transportation. His rehabilitation began with intensive therapy at RSUD Mimika District, eventually transitioning to home-based care.

The boy soon progressed from being unable to walk to taking independent steps and enjoying everyday childhood activities. His recovery highlights two critical lessons: the urgency of immediate and thorough rehabilitation for children affected by polio, and the essential role of preventive immunization.

The boy’s family now advocates for immunization, urging parents across Indonesia to ensure their children are fully protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

These activities were supported by the US Government through USAID.

Written by Rosa Panggabean, photographer, and Bunga Manggiasih, National Professional Officer (Communication), WHO Indonesia

Photos were taken on 26 July 2024. Photo credits: WHO/Rosa Panggabean

WHO/Rosa Panggabean
Odimina holds her son, who was paralyzed and diagnosed with polio.

Paving the way for rehabilitation

As a single parent, Odimina lacked legal documents that would allow her child to access polio treatment and rehabilitation. Puskesmas Karang Senang swiftly stepped in to help Odimina and her son obtain a birth certificate, family registration, national identity card and National Health Insurance membership.

WHO/Rosa Panggabean
Odimina’s son now has a National Child Identity Card and access to health treatment.

The key to health treatment

Once Odimina obtained her son’s National Child Identity Card (pictured) and other civil documents, he could receive help accessing health care, including rehabilitation for his legs.

WHO/Rosa Panggabean
Puskesmas Karang Senang personnel assist Odimina’s son into an ambulance for physical therapy at RSUD Mimika District.

Pick up service

For several months, Puskesmas Karang Senang provided transportation for the boy to attend rehabilitation at RSUD Mimika District. The puskesmas also provided rice and eggs to fulfil his nutritional needs. These prompt interventions helped prevent his paralysis from worsening.

WHO/Rosa Panggabean
The Puskesmas Karang Senang team, Odimina and her son prepare to depart in the ambulance.

Ambulance at work

Initially, Odimina accompanied her son to the hospital for rehabilitation. However, as she needed to work daily in the sweet potato fields, she was unable to attend every session. She trusted the puskesmas team to take her son to rehabilitation on their own.

WHO/Rosa Panggabean
Counselling with a paediatrician is crucial to assess how Odimina’s son progresses.

Checking progress

Before each rehabilitation session, Dr Gustian Rante Tiballa examined the child to assess his progress. The RSUD Mimika District paediatrician then adjusted the rehabilitation based on these evaluations.

WHO/Rosa Panggabean
Odomina’s son receives infrared irradiation.

Infrared treatment

The first step of the rehabilitation session involves infrared irradiation. It helps alleviate symptoms and improve muscle function for people diagnosed with polio.

WHO/Rosa Panggabean
Odimina’s son receives physical therapy.

Learning to walk again

Physical therapy is an important part of rehabilitation. Physiotherapists helped improve the boy’s muscle strength and flexibility. Movements were tailored based on his progress.

WHO/Rosa Panggabean
Continuing therapy at home is crucial for recovery.

Home exercise

After the boy’s rehabilitation brought good progress, RSUD Mimika District asked Puskesmas Karang Senang to continue with exercises at home. Nurse Artemis Diana Tinoring visited his home twice a day to continue the physical exercises. She also taught Odimina how to help with his exercise at home.

WHO/Rosa Panggabean
Equipment installed by the Puskesmas Karang Senang team helped the boy to walk again.

Tools for recovery

The Puskesmas Karang Senang team installed equipment to assist the boy to re-learn how to walk. His mother patiently assisted during the training sessions.

WHO/Rosa Panggabean
Odimina and her son now can now once again stand side by side.

Back on his feet

After several months of rehabilitation, the boy can stand tall beside his family and walk on his own. The family now advocates for vaccination, urging parents across Indonesia to ensure their children receive full protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

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