The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Mau Piukala, visited Western Highlands Province to reinforce commitment to the polio outbreak response and spotlight the importance of integrated, community-driven health services.
Dr Piukala’s visit began with a high-level meeting at the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (PHA), where he engaged with Acting CEO Ms Jane Holden, with Managers from the National Department of Health Dr Lutty Amos and Mr Barry Ropa, and development partner Ms Miriam Carter from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Discussions focused on strengthening coordination, sustaining immunization coverage, and ensuring frontline health workers receive the support they need.
“Ending polio in Papua New Guinea requires strong leadership, community trust, and unified action. I am here in the Western Highlands to listen, to learn, and to reaffirm WHO’s commitment to supporting communities across the country.”
The visit comes at a critical time, as Papua New Guinea rolls out a nationwide polio vaccination campaign following the outbreak declared in May 2025. Western Highlands Province responded swiftly, becoming one of the first to launch the campaign, with nOPV2 coverage currently at 78.6%.
Dr Piukala also visited the Wellness Clinic, which plays a vital role in addressing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. By promoting early detection and lifestyle interventions, the clinic helps ease the burden on hospital services and ensures patients receive timely, preventive care.
He then visited the HPV vaccination mobile clinic, which targets adolescent girls aged 9–14. The mobile outreach model ensures vaccines reach communities that may otherwise face barriers to access, reinforcing the importance of equity in health service delivery.
At Togoba Health Centre, a church-run Level 3 facility, Dr Piukala observed supplementary immunization activities led by dedicated health workers and supported by local community volunteers. He witnessed children receiving the polio vaccine—an important moment that underscored the frontline efforts to stop the outbreak and protect every eligible child.
Dr Piukala’s visit formed part of a broader mission to Papua New Guinea aimed at raising visibility of the polio outbreak, showcasing field impact, and promoting a unified, well-resourced response. His presence in the Western Highlands underscored the importance of local leadership, community engagement, and integrated service delivery in achieving lasting health outcomes.