Rotary Voices Podcast Summary: "Chasing Polio with Jean-Marc Giboux"
Introduction In the September 26, 2024 episode of the Rotary Voices podcast, hosted by Rotary Magazine and produced by Andy Choi, senior staff writer Diana Schoberg engages in an insightful conversation with renowned Chicago-based photojournalist Jean-Marc Chabot. The episode delves into Jean-Marc's 18-year journey documenting polio eradication efforts across 17 countries, showcasing his dedication, challenges, and the profound impact of his work.
Early Life and Beginnings in Photography Jean-Marc Chabot's passion for photography ignited during his junior high school years near Paris, France. Reflecting on his early inspirations, Jean-Marc shares:
"I had an art teacher who gave us a course of black and white photography and I got into a dark room and I just fell in love with it. It changed my life." (02:05)
This nascent interest led him to pursue photography passionately, overcoming various hurdles by working multiple jobs, acquiring equipment, and selling his photographs during high school.
Transition to Professional Photography and Arrival in Chicago Originally from France, Jean-Marc sought to expand his horizons beyond his homeland. His journey led him to Los Angeles, California, where he began covering news, social issues, and cultural trends for both US and European publications. His persistence paid off when his coverage was recognized by major news agencies like Gamma and Reuters, enabling him to establish a foothold in the competitive world of photojournalism.
Embarking on the Polio Documentation Journey In 1997, Jean-Marc discovered a compelling story in the Chicago Tribune about Rotary International's ambitious project to eradicate polio by the year 2000. Recognizing the magnitude of this public health initiative, he reached out to Rotary and secured a grant to document the campaign. This collaboration led to the creation of "Chasing Polio," a comprehensive photographic chronicle of the global fight against polio.
Jean-Marc elaborates on how he initiated this project:
"As a freelance photographer, I was looking for a great story for the millennium. So after reading the article, there was one link that I noticed that was in Chicago, Evanston. It was Rotary." (04:07)
His work quickly gained prominence, culminating in a feature in Life magazine and subsequent collaborations with the World Health Organization.
Challenges Faced: War Zones and Personal Risks Jean-Marc's quest to document polio eradication was fraught with dangers, particularly in conflict zones. One of his most harrowing experiences occurred in Sierra Leone during a bloody coup:
"We were looking for refugees, we could hear the big guns going off in the jungles... one morning at 3:00 in the morning, I got a knock on my door and he said, pack up, we gotta leave." (06:15)
The imminent threat from rebels forced an abrupt evacuation, leaving Jean-Marc distressed over the fate of his colleagues. This incident underscores the perils faced by journalists in volatile regions.
Another notable challenge was his encounter in Kano, Nigeria—a central hub for polio transmission in Africa. Jean-Marc recounts being mistakenly detained by authorities while photographing in a Sharia-governed marketplace:
"I don't know who they are. They are in civilian clothes... I saw a policeman in uniform and I freed myself." (10:44)
His ability to navigate such tense situations was often aided by Rotary members on the ground, highlighting the critical support role played by local contacts.
Impact and Misuse of His Photographs Jean-Marc's poignant photographs have had significant influence, though not without unintended consequences. A powerful image from Sierra Leone depicting a child affected by polio was repurposed by anti-vaccination groups during the COVID-19 pandemic:
"It was a picture of a child who was really in bad shape... it was hijacked by anti vaccination people who said the comment was, this is what happened when Bill Gates test the COVID vaccine on children in Africa." (07:10)
While disheartened by the misuse of his work, Jean-Marc remains grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness, albeit in ways he never intended.
Significant Photographic Moments Among his extensive portfolio, Jean-Marc highlights a particularly uplifting photograph taken in India. Capturing nurses celebrating India's first year without polio, the image exudes joy and resilience:
"It's just a beautiful picture... I like not to be part of the picture. And it's just a beautiful picture." (17:13)
This photograph encapsulates the triumph of collective efforts in eradicating a debilitating disease.
Building Trust in Sensitive Environments Gaining the trust of communities, especially in politically unstable or post-conflict areas, was pivotal for Jean-Marc. He emphasizes the importance of empathetic engagement:
"Spending time with the people is the first thing. And usually, I spend my whole day with vaccinators." (15:55)
Understanding the daily struggles and aspirations of polio victims and health workers enabled him to portray their stories authentically and respectfully.
Philosophy of a Good Photograph Jean-Marc's approach to photography transcends technical proficiency. He seeks to evoke emotion and convey meaningful messages, striving to capture genuine moments rather than posing subjects:
"I like emotions. I like the pictures to bring some emotion to somebody... it's intense or it's strong and it's conveying something of a message." (18:08)
This philosophy is evident in his ability to capture candid, impactful scenes that resonate with viewers.
Reflections on the Polio Eradication Campaign The scale and dedication involved in the polio eradication campaign deeply impressed Jean-Marc. He likens the operation to an "ant farm," with thousands of volunteers working tirelessly from the grassroots level:
"It's people teachers, nurses, health workers. So everybody's involved and there are hundreds of thousands of people doing it." (20:10)
This collective effort, supported by top-down financing, showcases the remarkable synergy required to combat a global health challenge.
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations While Jean-Marc cherishes his extensive work on polio eradication, he expresses a desire to explore new stories:
"I have a folder full of stories to cover... something that doesn't last 18 years would be good, but I'll do that until I can press a shutter." (21:00)
His commitment to highlighting humanitarian issues ensures that his passion for impactful photojournalism remains unwavering.
Conclusion Jean-Marc Chabot's compelling narratives and evocative imagery offer an intimate glimpse into the relentless fight against polio. His collaboration with Rotary International not only amplified the visibility of this crucial initiative but also underscored the profound human stories behind public health campaigns. Through Rotary Voices, listeners gain an appreciation for the dedication and courage required to document such transformative endeavors.
Further Resources To explore Jean-Marc Chabot's portfolio, visit www.gibot.com. For more on his polio coverage, refer to the October 2024 issue of Rotary Magazine. Support Rotary's polio eradication efforts at npolio.org.