Jiwaka PHA ready to rollout polio immunization campaign

The recent polio outbreak in the country, with one recorded case from Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province has put the Jiwaka Provincial Health Authority [PHA] on alert.

The Jiwaka PHA will launch its polio immunisation on Wednesday where children between the age from birth to 10 years will be targeted.

This polio immunization also comes with free integrated health service, including vitamin A sublimates, deworming tablets, and routine immunization against preventable disease.

The Deputy World Health Organization [WHO] Consultant Bezu Beshir says Jiwaka is at risk with the new confirmed case in Mt Hagen.

He says, One Polio case has the potential to multiply by 200.

"The only approach to prevent it is through bioscience vaccination. Currently, there's a total of 28 confirmed cases in PNG.

"Polio re-emerged after 6 years," the last polio vaccination program was rolled out between 2018-19." Mr. Bezu said.

He added that the re-emergence of polio is due to lack of control vaccination.

Sister Kolly Bang, Public Health Director in Jiwaka said the Jiwaka PHA is preparing to roll the polio immunization campaign in the 29 Health facilities, schools and communities throughout Jiwaka between August and September.

Sister Bang also estimated that between K600,000 - K800,000 is sufficient to achieve 97%-100% result.

"Peripheral cites for Kambia and Jimi needs more mobility support for airlifting the health workers."

Sister Kolly also told the public in Jiwaka that polio immunization will save children and not "666" or depopulation conspiracies.

Meanwhile the Hela PHA Polio Immunization Campaign will be carried out today [Monday 11th August 2025]

The PHA launched the immunization program at Pangale Haus in Tari Town at 10 am this morning.