Depts unite to stop city measles outbreak

 By FAYE MIKA

THE health and education departments have agreed to conduct a joint campaign to vaccinate students in Port Moresby against measles.

National Capital District health director Dr Niko Wuatai said all school children and infants between the ages of six months and 20 years would be vaccinated irrespective of 

whether they have been previously vaccinated or not.

“It is important for all children, even if they had already received the vaccination to come and get vaccinated the second time to increase their immunity against the disease.” 

Children will be given Tetanus Toxoide and Vitamin A as well.

Wuatai appealed to all schools in the nation’s capital to support the campaign for a successful vaccination rollout. 

“We would like to appeal to all schools in Port Moresby to support us on this important immunisation activity which will prevent further spread of the disease,” he said.

He added that requests have been made to the principals and head teachers of schools in NCD to inform the students and their parents about the immunisation activity and to ensure that all children were immunised.

Disease surveillance officer Berry Ropa said a mobile team would be stationed at the Jackson Airport terminal to check children travelling in and out of Port Moresby.