Nigerians Travelling Abroad Must Take Polio Vaccine by 2013 – WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that by May 2013, all Nigerians traveling abroad would be compelled to take the oral polio vaccine. This was noted by Dr. Ray Nihar , an official of the WHO yesterday in Kaduna. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Nihar said at the monthlyreview meeting of traditional rulers in Kaduna State involved inpolio eradication campaign that WHO would issue a standing recommendation to all nations under the International Health Regulations. He said children and adults traveling 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.” The WHO official also added that 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 polio eradication was vital in affected countries, adding that neighbouring countries would notbe safe. In an interview with NAN, the Chief of Kagoro, Afuwai Bonet , urged legislators to participate in the fight against polio in their respective constituencies. Bonet said compelling Nigerians traveling abroad to take the vaccine would be an embarrassment to Nigeria, including the legislators. It is sad that Nigeria is still grappling with the effects of Polioand hasn’t completely eradicated the disease. Having to take polio vaccines or present evidence of vaccination, like the Chief said, would be an embarrassment to Nigerians. Hopefully, the relevant authorities would look into this tomake speedy moves towards polio eradication. What are your thoughts on the WHO’s recommendation?