Pakistan to immunise people going abroad against polio


Islamabad: The World Health Organisation (WHO) warning that polio has re-emerged as an international public health emergency. Outbreaks in Asia, Africa and Middle East are an “extraordinary event” needing a co-ordinated “international response”, the agency says.
All residents and long-term visitors of affected countries will need to receive a dose of the vaccine before travelling internationally, and carry with them a certificate proving vaccination.The Pakistani government says it will set up mandatory immunisation points at airports and border crossings to help stop its polio outbreak from spreading. Pakistan has seen a rise in the disease, with immunisation campaigns often disrupted by Taliban terrorists. The virus currently affects 10 countries worldwide, and is endemic in three countries, including Pakistan. Polio mainly affects children under five years old.