Polio outbreak prompts urgent vaccination drive

Health authorities have revealed a further detection of two children in Lae, Morobe Province with Polio following environmental samples indicating a re-emergence of the deadly virus.

The Department of Health and partners, World Health Organization have begun vaccination and enhanced surveillance work on curbing the spread of what they describe as confirmation of community transmission and constituting an outbreak.

WHO representative Dr Sevil Huseynova says they've come on board to immediately provide support in containing the spread of the virus.

About 93 million kina is needed for two rounds of vaccination to respond adequately to this outbreak and bring vaccination coverage to 90 percent plus.

Minister Elias Kapavore who on Tuesday announced the re-emergence, says Government has approved a 13-million kina for initial roll-out work of the vaccination:

Other partners UNICEF and DFAT have reaffirmed their commitment towards fighting the virus.

PHA's on notice to lift vaccination coverage

Papua New Guinea's very low vaccination and immunization rates ranging from as low as 8 percent to less than 50%, have contributed to the re-emergence of the deadly polio virus.

Health Minister Elias Kapavore says there is no excuse for provinces to lift their vaccination rates - with cold chain preparedness at provincial levels.

PHAs have been put on notice to lift their coverage rates or face termination:

Newborn children to those up to 10 years old in NCD and Morobe, are required to be fully vaccinated during these two rounds and parents are urged to ensure this happens.