Papua New Guinea Rallies for a Polio-Free Future: Round 2 Mass Vaccination Campaign

Papua New Guinea has taken another decisive step in its fight against polio with the launch of the second round of the national mass vaccination campaign. Led by the Government of Papua New Guinea and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and key partners, this campaign aims to protect children under 10 years of age across all 22 provinces from the devastating effects of poliovirus.

Since May 2025, the country has been responding to an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), with over 60 detections confirmed through environmental and community surveillance. Tragically, one case involved a four-year-old child who developed paralysis due to polio—an alarming reminder of the risks faced by unvaccinated children.

“The transmission of poliovirus remains high due to low routine immunisation coverage and the challenges of reaching children in remote and underserved communities,” said Dr. Challa Ruda, Officer-in-Charge and Acting WHO Representative in Papua New Guinea. “This campaign is not 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.”

The first round of the supplementary immunization campaign, conducted in August to September, reached 83.2% of targeted children across 17 provinces. While commendable, the goal remains to achieve at least 95% coverage to ensure high immunity and halt the outbreak.

In this second round, children will receive both the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2) and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), boosting their protection against the virus. The campaign also integrates routine immunisation and essential child health services, including vitamin A supplementation and deworming—strengthening overall child health.

WHO has deployed 20 international consultants to support provincial teams in planning and implementing the campaign, while also enhancing strengthening routine immunisation and polio surveillance systems. The organization continues to provide technical and operational assistance, including outbreak response planning, staff training, and resource mobilisation.

“We are proud to stand alongside the Government of Papua New Guinea and our partners in this critical response,” Dr. Ruda emphasized. “Together, we can achieve a polio-free future for Papua New Guinea.”

The success of this campaign depends on the collective efforts of health workers, community leaders, National Department of Health, and development partners including Gavi, DFAT, MFAT, and UNICEF. Their dedication is the driving force behind this nationwide effort to protect every child from polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Together, we can make Papua New Guinea free of Polio.