FG activates points of entry policy on yellow fever
The federal government has activated Nigeria’s point of entry policy on the prevention and control of cross border transmission of yellow fever to prevent the transmission of the disease.
Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said this at a news conference on Friday in Abuja.
Ehanire said it was pertinent to review the policy due to ongoing transmission of yellow fever in parts of the country and in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
He said that “it was done in line with WHO recommendation for all international travellers, nine months and older persons arriving in areas with evidence of persistent or periodic transmission of yellow fever.
“Consequently, the Federal Ministry of Health requested Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to communicate this to airlines for compliance.
“Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the ministry reviewed the policy to allow passengers without yellow cards or proof of vaccinations to board their flights to Nigeria.
“This is with the understanding that they will be given yellow fever vaccination on arrival at our points of entry.”
According to him, the vaccination is free and the yellow card is at a nominal cost.
“This is in the interest of the health security of the public and all passengers; the effective date of the revised policy implementation is March 11, 2020.
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“The revised policy had already been communicated to NCAA for airlines to be so informed,” he added.
On COVID-19, the minister said that the WHO recently declared the disease as a pandemic and based on the assessment, the ministry, through the Port Health Services is prioritizing measures for COVID-19 containment, especially the screening of passengers at points of entry.
“However, other surveillance and prevention activities, including the implementation of the policy on prevention and control of cross border transmission of yellow fever are still very important.
“Nigerians are required to obtain yellow fever vaccination if they have not done so, and to show their yellow card or proof of vaccination before any international travel and upon arrival.
“The position of the ministry is in line with global best practices and WHO recommendations,’’ the minister added.
