No Child Left Behind: PNG’s Fight Against Polio

On a quiet morning off the coast of East Cape in the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea, the island of Nuakata stirred with anticipation. Two boats gently approached the shore, carrying health workers equipped with life-saving polio vaccines, supplements, and vital health advice. For the families watching from the shoreline, this was more than just a visit, it was a powerful reminder that their children’s health mattered, and that no community would be left behind.

“I helped during Round 1 (of the ongoing national polio immunization drive),” said Herry Nicodemus, the village counsellor, a respected community leader in Nuakata. “I’m happy the team came to our island. It makes it easier for our children to be vaccinated, and it shows the polio campaign’s goal to reach everyone, everywhere.”

Milne Bay Province, located at the southeastern tip of Papua New Guinea, is one of the country’s most geographically and culturally diverse regions. Spanning over 14,000 square kilometres of land and more than 250,000 square kilometres of sea, the province is home to over 600 islands, with around 160 of these inhabited. With approximately 48 distinct languages spoken across its communities, Milne Bay reflects the rich cultural tapestry of PNG, and the logistical challenges of delivering health services to remote island populations.

This visit marked a pivotal moment in Round 2 of Papua New Guinea’s national polio vaccination campaign - a nationwide effort to protect every child under the age of 10 yrs from the devastating effects of poliovirus. Led by the National Department of Health and Provincial Health Authorities and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, including UNICEF, Gavi, Rotary International, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the campaign is reaching even the most remote corners of the country.

The drive also avails of the opportunity to administer other essential vaccines – but only for children below two years of age - who have missed their vaccinations for measles, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type B.  

Among those vaccinated for polio was Shila, a bright-eyed Grade 2 student. “My family told me the vaccine is good for my health,” she said shyly. “I want to be protected.”

Since May 2025, Papua New Guinea has been responding to an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), with more than 60 detections confirmed through environmental and community surveillance. Among these, three cases developed paralysis—a tragic and heartbreaking reminder of the real and urgent threat posed by polio, especially to unvaccinated children.

“The transmission of poliovirus remains high due to low routine immunization coverage and the challenges of reaching children in remote and underserved communities,” said Dr. Challa Ruda, WHO team lead for Integrated Health Service Delivery. “This polio 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.”

In Round 1, the campaign successfully reached 83.2% of targeted children across 17 provinces. Building on that momentum, round 2 now aims to achieve at least 95% coverage across all 22 provinces. Children are receiving both the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), along with vitamin A supplementation and deworming tablets, providing a comprehensive shield against polio and other childhood illnesses.

For nurse Cathy Tomobudiara, who has served at the village aid post for nearly two years, the visit was a breakthrough. “Nuakata, like many islands, struggles with access and communication,” she explained. “Having vaccines come here is a big help to my work. It shows that we are supported.”

The current campaign runs from 13 - 31 October, reaching children at schools and health facilities, and through community visits. In the New Guinea Islands region, children aged 3 months to 10 years receive only the polio injection, which is part of a targeted strategy to stop the virus completely.

“This campaign is a shared commitment to protect every child from polio - a disease we can prevent,” said PNG Minister for Health Hon. Elias Kapavore at the campaign launch in Port Moresby. “Bring your children for vaccination. The vaccine is safe, effective and free.”

Masia Banaba, a mother of two, brought both her children to be vaccinated without hesitation. “It helps them stay healthy,” she said. “I tell other parents - bring your children too. It’s good for them.”

The World Health Organization continues to play a vital role in supporting Papua New Guinea’s polio response. WHO has deployed 20 international consultants to assist provincial teams with planning, implementation, surveillance and routine immunization. Their technical expertise, combined with local leadership, ensures that vaccines reach even the most isolated communities.

Even as WHO continues to provide support, the success of the campaign ultimately depends on the dedication of health workers, community leaders, volunteers, and above all, parents who play the most crucial role on the ground. Their commitment transforms planning into action and vaccines into protection. From guiding health teams through village paths to encouraging neighbours to bring their children forward, these local champions are the heartbeat of the campaign.

“Every dose delivered is a step closer to ending polio for good,” said Dr. Ruda. “Together, we can truly achieve a polio-free future for Papua New Guinea.”

From the shores of Nuakata to the highlands and islands of this WHO Western Pacific Member State, the message is clear: no child will be left behind in the fight against polio in Papua New Guinea.