OFWs in Afghanistan, Pakistan warned vs polio

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has warned Filipino workers in Afghanistan and Pakistan against the risk of acquiring polio.

The POEA advised OFWs in the two countries to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from the infectious disease.

Recruitment agencies should ensure that OFWs are vaccinated against polio before going to Pakistan and Afghanistan, POEA chief Hans Cacdac said.

Citing a report from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Cacdac said the World Health Organization (WHO) has extended the travel restriction to Pakistan and Afghanistan due to spread of polio.

WHO earlier issued guidelines requiring travelers to get oral polio vaccine prior to visit to Pakistan and Afghanistan.