Apec visitors to get the low-down on health alarm

By HELEN TARAWA
THE Government will alert all international guests about the health issues currently affecting the country, according to Apec Minister Justin Tkatchenko.
He said the polio outbreak was a concern for Papua New Guinea “but it’s being addressed at a very high level” in the affected provinces. On its potential effect on Apec preparations, he said the National Capital District was being covered in the programme “although it’s not an affected area”.
“It’s just a precaution to our guests. We don’t want to make hype out of this. We put it down as genuinely telling our guests this is a precaution to take,” he said.
“It’s like any infectious disease. Everybody has to take precautions when travelling to any country. Every country gives its requirements or precautionary measures just in case. Prevention is better than cure.”
He said Health Minister Sir Puka Temu had done a fantastic job in addressing the issue early and getting it to the National Executive Council to ensure all the vaccines were distributed to the affected areas.
“That doesn’t apply to PNG only. You can go anywhere in the world and you will be given the same kind of warnings on health issues,” Tkatchenko said.