Health Authorities Confirm First Child Paralysed by Polio in Papua New Guinea

Port Moresby, 28 August 2025 – The National Department of Health has confirmed Papua New Guinea’s first case of a paralysed child with polio since the outbreak was declared in May 2025. A four-year-old unvaccinated child from Lae, Morobe Province has developed acute flaccid paralysis caused by the polio virus.

“This is an issue of national urgency and a clear warning to all of us,” said Mr. Ken Wai, Acting Secretary for Health, at a press conference in Port Moresby today. “Polio can cause lifelong paralysis, and it can also kill. There is no cure for polio - but it can be prevented. Immunization is safe, free, and effective, and it protects children for life when given on time.” 

Until now, the virus had been detected in environmental samples and in three healthy children without symptoms. But this latest case confirms that the virus is spreading and poses a direct threat to children across the country.

The Minister for Health, Hon. Elias Kapavore, expressed grave concern and called for urgent nationwide action. “This is a clear warning that we must interrupt the transmission immediately by strengthening our emergency response even further,” said Minister Kapavore. “That means immunizing every child under the age of ten. The Government is committed to protecting every child, but we need parents, guardians, and communities to immunize their children. Do not wait until it is too late - immunize your children NOW.”

Polio Vaccination Campaign Extended

A nationwide campaign to immunize all children aged under 10 years of age began on 11 August. The first round, already underway in 16 provinces, has been extended until 5 September due to low coverage.

“So far, only 41 percent of children have been reached. This is unacceptable,” said Mr. Wai. “We need at least 95% coverage to stop the virus. Hela Province is leading with 95% coverage, and we urge other provinces to follow suit.”

A second round of the campaign will run from 29 September to 17 October, covering all 22 provinces.

This round will also introduce the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) alongside the oral polio vaccine (OPV), giving children stronger, longer-lasting protection. In addition to polio vaccines, clinics are also delivering measles and pentavalent vaccines, Vitamin A, and deworming tablets - to boost routine immunization, with added layer of protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Government has allocated PGK 13 million to respond to this health crisis, supported by WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and the governments of Australia and New Zealand. These resources will fund more vaccines, stronger surveillance, better logistics, and trained health workers to reach every community. With support from UNICEF, Gavi, and WHO, the government has secured more than nine million doses of the new polio vaccine (nOPV2) and four million doses of IPV, along with measles-rubella and pentavalent vaccines, Vitamin A, and deworming tablets.

WHO Representative to Papua New Guinea, Dr Sevil Huseynova, said: This confirmed case is a stark reminder that polio still threatens our children’s futures. While paralysis from polio is irreversible, it is entirely preventable. Its presence signals active transmission, and WHO is supporting the PNG Government to respond with urgency, scale, and precision to protect every child and stop further spread”.

“We have the expertise, the vaccines, and the unwavering commitment. But defeating polio requires more than resources—it demands unity and action from every community, every health worker, and every parent. Together, we can protect every child and end polio once and for all,” added Dr Huseynova.

She added: “No child should have to live with paralysis from a disease that is entirely preventable. The solution is simple: immunize your child - protect them from this deadly disease. UNICEF calls on all parents and communities: help us to help you protect your children.”

The National Department of Health has stepped up environmental monitoring and case tracking and is also working with schools to ensure all children under 10 are vaccinated.

The Hon. Health Minister, Mr. Kapavore, is now calling on every parent, every guardian, every community leader to immunize their children without delay. 

“We cannot do this alone. While this case is unfortunate, it is also a wake-up call. Protect your children. Protect your family. Protect Papua New Guinea,” he said.