Director General of the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health Dr. Paba Palihawadana said that the new vaccine will be introduced as part of the National Immunisation programme and will be used for four month old infants. The Health Ministry will take action to provide this vaccine, along with the other vaccine that is currently administered.

The aim of introducing the new polio vaccine is to eradicate polio globally as the virus has been completely eradicated in 65 countries thus far.

The unit added that at present the polio virus is widespread in countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

Dr.Palihawadana said that although there have not been polio cases reported in Sri Lanka from the year 1993, that it is mandatory for four months old infants to be vaccinated prior to visiting countries in which polio is widespread.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has declared a vaccination week starting from April 30, with the objective of eradicating polio globally.