SYDNEY, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Health authorities in Papua New Guinea rolled out measures for its people to receive polio vaccinations before they traveled abroad on Wednesday, following an outbreak of the disease in the Oceania country.
Immunization centers were being set up at major hospitals in line with international health guidelines, Health Minister Puka Temu told local media.
"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," The National newspaper quoted Temu as saying.
Outbound travelers are advised to prepare for their trips at least four months in advance to factor in the health requirements, he said.
Foreigners heading to Papua New Guinea must also have the required certification to prove that they have received the polio vaccine for their protection, he said.
The latest move is part of the 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," said Temu.
Health authorities have been ramping up mass vaccination against polio, which is known to cause lifetime paralysis in children, following a recent outbreak that has since been brought under control.
