Date:09/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/09/stories/2007080953060300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

11-month-old struck by polio

S.Ramu

Photo: R. Biksham Ruther

Calamity strikes: Maadasu Boobamma in the lap of her grandmother.

KATTAVARIGUDEM (NALGONDA DT): The devastating disease, polio, not only did cripple the 11-month-old Maadasu Boobamma but also gave a rude shock to her poor family. Her parents and family members are shell-shocked to know the fact that her left leg has been incapacitated by an acute flaccid paralysis.

Boobamma is the fifth child of Muttaiah and Gaddemma, tribals. Their four children, Yeladramma, Venkataiah, Saidulu and Nagamma, are doing well and helping their parents to feed the family. They live in a small hut on the outskirts of this tiny village in Garidepally mandal along with 20-odd nomadic families.

These families eke out a living by entertaining rural folks with their gangireddulu (decorated bullocks), their traditional profession.

“We administered polio drops for other four children but I am not sure whether Boobamma got the dose or not,” Naagamma, her grandmother, said. Asked what sort of medical support the district administration could give to the poor family, the District Medical and Health Officer D.Champa Naik says, “We can’t do anything now. We can’t offer any medication at this stage.”