Nigerians travelling abroad to take polio vaccine by 2013- WHO

Nigerians travelling abroad in 2013, will be compelled to take polio vaccine.

From May 2013, Nigerians travelling abroad would be compelled to take the oral polio vaccine, an official of the World Health Organisation, WHO, Ray Nihar, said in Kaduna on Thursday.

Mr. Nihar said, at the monthly review meeting of traditional rulers in Kaduna involved in polio eradication campaign, that the WHO would issue a standing recommendation to all nations under the International Health Regulations.

He said children and adult travelling out of Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan must be certified as having been vaccinated against polio “to reduce the substantial risk of the virus spreading to polio-free countries”.

He said the report issued by the International Monitory Board on Polio revealed that “too many communities” regard  polio vaccination as an imposition with no benefit.

He said eradication of the disease is vital in affected countries, adding that neighbouring countries would not be safe.

The Chairman, Kaduna State Action Committee on the Eradication of Polio, Mustapha Jumare, said insecurity and inaccessibility to certain areas affects total coverage.

He also blamed vaccinators for laxity, thereby retarding efforts at ending the disease.

The Chief of Kagoro, Afuwai Bonet, urged legislators to participate in the fight against polio in their respective constituencies.

Mr. Bonet said compelling Nigerians travelling abroad to take the vaccine would be an embarrassment to Nigeria including the legislators.

 

NAN