Nationwide blitz to shield nearly three million children from polio, measles and other killers

PORT MORESBY, 11 August 2025 – UNICEF is urging parents and caregivers to vaccinate their children immediately, as the deadly poliovirus spreads across Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Speaking at the start of a nationwide vaccination blitz in Port Moresby today, UNICEF PNG Representative Dr Veera Mendonca warned that low immunisation rates leave children vulnerable not only to polio but to a range of other crippling, yet easily preventable, diseases.

Round 1 of the campaign — launched today by Minister for Health Elias Kapavore alongside officials from UNICEF and partner agencies during a ceremony at New Erima Primary School — will run for 12
consecutive working days, from 11 to 26 August, across 17 mainland provinces: Morobe, Madang,
West Sepik, East Sepik, National Capital District, Central, Gulf, Northern, Western, Milne Bay, Hela,
Enga, Western Highlands, Southern Highlands, Chimbu, Jiwaka, and Eastern Highlands.

Dr Mendonca said the goal was urgent and clear: “To vaccinate nearly three million children under the age of 10 before the virus can spread further and destroy their futures.”

She said in addition to the polio vaccine, vaccinators were delivering routine immunisations to strengthen protection against other vaccine-preventable diseases.

The campaign follows evidence of poliovirus in Lae City, Morobe Province, and positive results from 31 sewage samples and three healthy children — a sign the virus is spreading.

PNG was certified polio-free at the turn of the century, but falling routine immunisation coverage in recent years has left many children dangerously exposed. The country’s early-warning surveillance
system detected the virus quickly, prompting the Government to activate the National Emergency Operations Centre and mobilise the resources for an urgent response.

Dr Mendonca said UNICEF was providing oral polio vaccines, cold chain equipment, and technical support for campaign planning and delivery.
“This campaign is about one thing and one thing only: reaching every single child, no matter where they live,” Dr Mendonca said.

“Technical specialists in immunisation, cold chain, advocacy, and social and behaviour change are working alongside national and provincial authorities to ensure the campaign reaches every child,
including those in hard-to-reach areas,” Dr Mendonca said.

“UNICEF is also supporting community engagement activities to raise awareness and encourage parents and caregivers to vaccinate their children,” she said.

Dr Veera Mendonca praised the Government for its decisive action and said PNG was doing the right thing by protecting the nation’s youngest from devastating death and disease.

“We commend the Government of PNG for responding with urgency, making the necessary funds available, and showing the leadership needed to protect every child,” she said.

“Polio can take away a child’s future in an instant — but we can stop it. We have the experience, we have the partnerships, and most importantly, we have the will.”

“The heart of this battle is not in offices — it is in schools and in communities. It is with mothers, fathers, local leaders, health workers, pastors, teachers, and students.”

“PNG is blessed with one of the youngest populations on earth,” Dr Mendonca said. “To reap the fruits of this demographic dividend, children must grow up healthy.”

“Some provinces are already doing reasonably well when it comes to immunisation, but some others are woefully behind. This campaign is going to change that once and for all.”

“This is not just a campaign — let it be a turning point for the children of Papua New Guinea.”