Polio in Democratic Republic of Congo

Patients who are conditioned with Polio ilness, in the care of the Association StandProud in Kinshasa, contradict their apparent difficulties playing football games in the courtyard of this organization. The game rules are clear: there are no restrictions on the crutches, it is forbidden to defend with hands and there´s unlimited number of players. The Association StandProud in Kinshasa, is a center of reception and treatment of patients with polio, a disease caused by a virus that causes atrophy and paralysis of the limbs and can even be deadly. However, this is not a center like the others. Here the 92 patients, some with previous negative experiences - like begging on the streets -, take care of themselves without the need of aid. Each one has his rank, his work and its role in society as a traditional African village. But the aim is common: to give a hand to those who most need help and make them one more proud member of the village.

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Filename: h_00015986.jpg
Copyright: Joao Henriques/4SEE
Image Size: 5616x3744 / 2.7MB; Africa aid atrophy center Congo football games kinshasa need paralysis patients players polio RDC treatment village virus
Contained in galleries: Health - Polio in Democratic Republic of Congo

Patients who are conditioned with Polio ilness, in the care of the Association StandProud in Kinshasa, contradict their apparent difficulties playing football games in the courtyard of this organization. The game rules are clear: there are no restrictions on the crutches, it is forbidden to defend with hands and there´s unlimited number of players. The Association StandProud in Kinshasa, is a center of reception and treatment of patients with polio, a disease caused by a virus that causes atrophy and paralysis of the limbs and can even be deadly. However, this is not a center like the others. Here the 92 patients, some with previous negative experiences - like begging on the streets -, take care of themselves without the need of aid. Each one has his rank, his work and its role in society as a traditional African village. But the aim is common: to give a hand to those who most need help and make them one more proud member of the village.