Nationwide polio immunisation campaign underway
A nationwide polio vaccination campaign has been launched across Papua New Guinea, with provinces rolling out programs aimed at protecting children from the deadly and disabling disease.
The Department of Health, supported by the World Health Organisation [WHO] and UNICEF, is leading the campaign in response to an outbreak of circulating Vaccine-Derived Polio Virus type 2 [cVDPV2]. Since May 2025, more than 31 detections have been confirmed through environmental and community surveillance.
In West Sepik Province, the Provincial Health Authority launched its Supplementary Immunization Activity in Vanimo, where the first oral polio vaccine doses were administered. Provincial Family Health Coordinator Elizabeth Miroi said the border province remains on high alert, noting Indonesia had polio outbreaks in 2023 and 2024, while cases have also been detected in PNG this year.
“Polio is a serious disease that can cause paralysis and lifelong disability. The vaccine is safe, free, and the most effective way to protect children,” she said, urging parents to bring all children from birth to 10 years for vaccination.
In Milne Bay Province, the campaign was launched with the participation of 43 Health Centre officers-in-charge. Public Health Officer Dr. Gilchrist Oswyn said the province aims to achieve 95 percent coverage despite logistical challenges in reaching remote maritime communities.
He reassured parents that the vaccine is not new and emphasized that the resurgence of cases in Lae earlier this year prompted the urgent rollout.
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Highlands, the Provincial Health Authority launched a 10-day campaign at Okiufa Primary School outside Goroka, targeting more than 200,000 children across eight districts. Chief executive officer Dr. Pomuso Warrima urged parents to act swiftly, warning that low immunization rates have left many children vulnerable not only to polio but also to other preventable diseases.
He said the rising number of rheumatic heart disease cases in the province as an example of the consequences of neglecting routine immunization. “These are children not born with heart defects, but who develop them due to infections linked to poor immunization coverage,” he said.
In Morobe Province, the Bulolo Rural District Hospital launched its campaign following the provincial rollout. Health teams from Buang, Mumeng, and Watut joined the Bulolo team to administer vaccines, targeting 6,600 children in the district. Health Extension Officer Gershom Guambelek reminded parents that polio spreads through contact with faeces and stressed the importance of vaccinating all children under 10 years.
The national campaign will continue across all provinces over the coming weeks, with health workers reaching into communities to ensure every child is immunized.
