PNG Rallies to End Polio: Round 2 of Polio Campaign Kicks Off Nationwide

Port Moresby, 13 October 2025 – The National Department of Health launched Round 2 of the Nationwide Polio Immunization Campaign in Port Moresby calling on all parents and caregivers to ensure every child is immunized against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

The campaign runs from the 13-31 October across all provinces, reaching children at schools, health facilities and through wards and community visits. During this round, eligible children will also receive Vitamin A, deworming tablets, and routine immunization to strengthen long-term protection.

“This campaign is a shared commitment to protect every child from Polio - a disease we can prevent,” said Minister for Health Hon. Elias Kapavore during the launch at St Anne’s Primary School, Gerehu. “I call on all parents and caregivers: bring your children for vaccination. The vaccine is safe, effective, and free. Your action today will be a shield to protect your child, your family, and your community.”

Mr. Kapavore also urged churches, schools, and community leaders to support health workers and immunization teams, so no child is left behind, including in remote areas.

Acting Secretary for Health Mr. Ken Wai highlighted that Round 2 builds on the success of the first round of the campaign, aiming for even stronger and longer-lasting protection. “In this round, all mainland provinces in MOMASE, Highlands, and Southern Regions will continue to give polio drops to children under ten. But this time, we are adding an extra layer of protection: all children aged 3 months to 10 years in entire country will receive polio injections, providing stronger, longer-lasting immunity. Think of these injections as the hero’s shield- fighting off the virus with extra power to keep our children safe.”

In the New Guinea Islands region - which includes the islands and coastal provinces - children aged 3 months to 10 years will receive only the polio injection, as part of a targeted strategy to stop the virus completely.

UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, Ms. June Kunugi, congratulated the Government and the National Department of Health for achieving 83% coverage in the first round. “Despite enormous geographical and logistical challenges, your collective action has protected thousands of children and brought PNG closer to ending the outbreak,” she said.

Ms. Kunugi also emphasized the need to sustain strong routine immunization beyond this campaign.
“Our goal must be nothing less than reaching every single child. Reinforcing routine immunization and achieving at least 95% coverage is not only about stopping the current outbreak – it is a long-term investment in the health and security of every child in PNG. Every vaccine given is a promise kept - a life protected, a future secured.”

Papua New Guinea recently confirmed its first case of paralysis due to polio since the May outbreak, underscoring the urgent need to stop transmission. With more than half of children still unvaccinated with routine immunization, the campaign is a vital step toward ensuring lasting protection. There is no cure for polio – prevention is only possible through immunization.

WHO Papua New Guinea Officer in Charge Dr Challa Ruda said “Round 2 of this nationwide campaign is a decisive step forward in our fight against polio. By providing both oral and injectable polio vaccines, we are strengthening the shield around every child. WHO is proud to support Papua New Guinea in this effort, ensuring that global expertise and local action come together to stop transmission and secure a polio-free future. Every dose delivered is a step closer to ending polio for good”.

The nationwide polio immunization campaign is made possible through collaboration with UNICEF and WHO, and with funding support from the Governments of Australia, New Zealand, GAVI, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.