As Papua New Guinea joins the global community in marking World Immunization Week, renewed efforts are underway to safeguard the nation’s children from preventable diseases, with Australia reaffirming its strong partnership in the fight against polio.
Australia has provided a total of K21 million (AUD 7 million) to support Papua New Guinea’s response to the recent polio outbreak, delivered through the World Health Organization.
Related news: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/australia-supports-the-polio-vaccination-campaign/
The launch of Round 3 of the national poliovirus vaccination campaign at Metoreia Urban Health Centre in Port Moresby signals a critical step forward in sustaining momentum from earlier nationwide efforts, which reached millions of children.
Backed by significant Australian support and guided by national health authorities, the campaign highlights both the urgency of maintaining high immunization coverage and the shared commitment to protecting vulnerable communities from future outbreaks.
The Australian Government attended the launch alongside the Secretary of the National Department of Health, Mr. Pascoe Kase, marking another milestone in the joint response to the recent polio outbreak.
Round 3 will build on successful vaccination efforts in 2025, which helped vaccinate an estimated three million children against polio and other preventable diseases, including measles.
Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Ms. Madeleine Moss said the speed of Papua New Guinea’s response played a crucial role in protecting communities.
“Less than a year ago, poliovirus was detected in samples taken from two children in Lae. By June, just ten months ago, the first round of emergency polio vaccination was already underway. The speed and determination of the response demonstrated PNG’s strong commitment to protecting its children and communities,” she said.
Round 3 will now focus on targeted vaccination activities for children under five in provinces assessed as high risk.
It will also strengthen disease surveillance systems to reduce the risk of future outbreaks and support the implementation of Papua New Guinea’s revised National Immunization Strategy to address persistently low vaccination coverage.
As World Immunization Week is observed, tribute has been paid to frontline health workers across the country for their dedication and resilience throughout the response.
Many have travelled long distances on foot, crossing rivers and climbing mountains to ensure vaccines reach children in some of the most remote communities.
This year’s World Immunization Week theme reinforces the message that vaccines work for every generation. Protection extends beyond children to people of all ages, across every stage of life.
Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to working in close partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea to protect children from preventable diseases and to ensure communities remain safe and healthy.