In a powerful show of unity and commitment, the World Health Organization joined the Government of Papua New Guinea and partners at New Erima Primary School in Port Moresby to launch a nationwide campaign to protect children from the threat of polio.
This vital initiative marks a bold step forward in safeguarding the health and future of the country’s youngest generation.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Masahiro Zakoji, on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Papua New Guinea, emphasized the significance of the campaign.
“This moment represents more than just a public health initiative; it is a bold step forward in our shared mission to secure the health and future of Papua New Guinea’s youngest generation.”
Since May 2025, PNG has been responding to an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), with over 31 detections confirmed through environmental and community surveillance.
While no cases of paralysis have been reported, the risk of further transmission remains high due to low routine immunization coverage and the difficulty of reaching children in remote and underserved areas.
The campaign is being rolled out across all provinces with a targeted approach:
Mainland Provinces (17 high-risk areas): Two rounds of vaccination using both the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2) and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).
New Guinea Islands Provinces (5 lower-risk areas): A single round of IPV.
To maximize impact, the campaign also integrates routine immunization and essential child health services, including vitamin A supplementation and deworming.
WHO is working hand-in-hand with the Government of Papua New Guinea and partners to ensure the campaign’s success. Key contributions include:
Supporting the development of the outbreak response plan, immunization guidelines, and tools.
Training over 100 provincial trainers, who will cascade knowledge to more than 5,000 vaccinators, 3, 000 social mobilisers, and 900 supervisors.
Deploying 20 consultants to provinces to support campaign implementation and strengthen polio surveillance.
Enhancing surveillance systems and providing operational support to vaccination teams, especially in resource-limited areas.
The campaign is made possible through the unwavering support of health development partners, including the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), UNICEF, Gavi, and the Governments of Australia and New Zealand.
Their contributions are vital to achieving high immunization coverage and building resilient health systems across the country.
Dr Zakoji concluded with heartfelt thanks to the health workers, community leaders, and partners whose tireless efforts are making this campaign possible.
“Your dedication is the driving force behind our progress. Together, we can achieve a polio-free future for Papua New Guinea.”