Travellers to get polio clearance in advance

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By HELEN TARAWA
PAPUA New Guineans will have to plan their travel overseas four months in advance to comply with World Health Organisation standards following the recent outbreak of polio.
Health and HIVAIDS Minister Sir Puka Temu, pictured, told The National that since polio had resurfaced in the country, centres were being established at the Port Moresby General Hospital, Gerehu and Pacific International Hospital for travellers to receive the vaccination.
“We are on alert now. The globe is on alert now with regards to the outbreak of polio in PNG and therefore every nation has been informed,” he said.
“Foreigners travelling to PNG will receive their vaccines before they travel here and Papua New Guineans will do likewise when they travel out.
“The Polio C virus outbreak requires global, regional and national response. Through the global and regional response, every nation has been informed of the polio outbreak in PNG.”
He said foreigners travelling to PNG must have the polio vaccination given to them in their countries under the Standard Operation Procedures and in line with the polio eradication initiative.
“They must have the required certification to prove that they have received the polio vaccine for their protection.
“For us travelling out of PNG, we must also do the same. There are centres being designated for people travelling overseas and preferably if they are travelling we are advising them as per the WHO requirement at least four months’ notice and preparation.
“You go to the centre, you get your vaccine and you get your certificate attach it to your visa application and then you should be ok. Without that, you won’t be granted a visa to travel out of PNG.
“That’s basically our country’s response to protect the other countries around the world from polio because we have to make sure that we comply with the global polio eradication standard operation requirements.”