A message from The British Polio Fellowship on World Polio Day

"We’ve made real progress in raising awareness, improving support, and building better understanding for people living with the late effects of polio and post-polio syndrome (PPS) across the UK. Thanks to new partnerships and a stronger voice in advocacy, we’re working hard to make sure the polio survivor community gets the recognition and support it needs.

One of the most exciting developments has been starting conversations with NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and Health Boards in all four nations (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). As a result, more healthcare professionals are now aware of people living with PPS in their local areas, and that’s helping improve how the condition is spotted, treated, and managed.

We’ve also updated how we support our members to better reflect their needs. Our brand-new website (www.britishpolio.org.uk) will be launched on 5 November, making it easier to access helpful information and expert advice from anywhere in the UK. At the same time, we’re still fully committed to in-person connection, supporting national, regional, and branch events that keep local polio survivor communities engaged and connected.

Another key focus has been building stronger partnerships with endorsement bodies and professional networks to help spread the word about PPS more widely. These connections are helping us get accurate, trusted information into the hands of healthcare professionals, decision-makers, and the wider public, making it easier to raise awareness and improve care on a much bigger scale.

Our advocacy work has gone from strength to strength too. Partnering with organisations like the Neurology Academy, Disability Rights UK, and the Neurological Alliance means we’re playing a bigger role in shaping policies around long-term care and inclusion. Hosting parliamentary exhibitions has enabled us to continue to push for the late effects of polio and PPS to be properly recognised by policymakers and healthcare leaders as a long-term condition that needs specialist care and attention.

Looking ahead, we’re focused on building even more collaboration across the neurological world and keeping the momentum going. Our goal is simple, to keep supporting and empowering everyone affected by polio.

Thank you to all our members, supporters, and partners. With your help, we’re growing stronger, louder, and starting to make real change for the UK’s polio survivor community."

Kripen Dhrona
Chief Executive Officer
The British Polio Fellowship

World Polio Day 2025

The British Polio Fellowship (BPF) continues to be a vital source of support for people in the UK affected by polio and post-polio syndrome (PPS). The organisation offers a range of services designed to support and empower polio survivors, their families and carers.

The BPF provides:

• Telephone support services: Offering guidance and assistance to individuals affected by polio and PPS.
  
  

• Advisory/expert panel: Assisting with the production of factsheets and providing advice on medical matters related to polio.
  
  

• Information and advice guides: Supplying up-to-date resources on living with polio and PPS.

These services aim to help individuals live full, independent and integrated lives, while also raising awareness of PPS.

Optimal clinical pathway

The BPF has developed and launched an optimal clinical pathway for polio survivors (including late effects of polio and PPS). This pathway outlines a clear referral process to ensure that polio survivors experiencing new or worsening symptoms receive specialist assessment, diagnosis, and treatment promptly to prevent further, avoidable functional decline and disability.

Last year we spoke with Kripen Dhrona, Frances Quinn and Dr Simon Shaw to celebrate World Polio Day 2024 and understand the clinical care needs of polio survivors.

Read more: World Polio Day: understanding the clinical care needs of polio survivors

International developments in polio and post-polio syndrome

Globally, efforts to eradicate polio continue. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been actively involved in supporting countries to assess readiness, plan transition and integrate polio essential functions into national health systems. This initiative is part of the broader goal to sustain a polio-free world.

The WHO's Global Polio Surveillance Action Plan 2025–2026 outlines strategies for maintaining sensitive surveillance systems as polio eradication goals are achieved. This includes setting specific standards to address key risks and ensure the sustainability of polio-free status.

Useful links:

• Optimal clinical pathway for polio survivors: https://www.britishpolio.org.uk/optimal-clinical-pathway
• Polio survivor clinical experiences: https://vimeo.com/987059637/edcd82ba70
• How lives were affected by polio: https://www.britishpolio.org.uk/stories
• The British Polio Fellowship: https://www.britishpolio.org.uk/about-bpf-1
• BPF’s purpose: https://www.britishpolio.org.uk/about-us
• Benefits of BPF membership: https://www.britishpolio.org.uk/membership
• NEWS Charity sets out an optimal pathway for polio survivors: www.britishpolio.org.uk/post/charity-sets-out-an-optimal-pathway-for-polio-survivors
• RCGP PPS training module: https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/course/info.php?id=249
• BPF guides for healthcare professionals: www.britishpolio.org.uk/guides-hc-professionals
• BPF factsheets: www.britishpolio.org.uk/factsheets