Polio still endemic in just four countries today: Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

A polio patient receives treatment inside an iron lung in France in 1939

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Iron lungs became common place in hospitals in the 1940s and 50s as the only way to keep patients alive 

Lillard was infected with polio at her fifth birthday party at the Joyland Amusement Park, Texas, on June 8, 1953. What was first dismissed as just a cold, became increasingly worse until she couldn't raise her head from the pillow. Doctors confirmed the worst.

Robert Mugabe and his wife disposed from 40 year rule in Zimbabwe

Robert Mugabe and his wife are together in his mansion and insisting he finishes his presidential term, a source has said amid claims China approved yesterday's coup. 

The deposed 93-year-old remains holed up in his £7.5million palatial residence, known as the Blue Roof, in the capital Harare as army officials try to persuade him to agree to an 'honorable exit'.

There has been uncertainty over the whereabouts of his wife, 'Gucci' Grace Mugabe, after Namibian authorities insisted there is 'no truth' in claims that the 52-year-old fled there.