The National Department of Health (NDoH), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, has confirmed the first human case of paralytic poliomyelitis (cVDPV2) in Papua New Guinea. The case involves a 4-year-old unvaccinated boy from Lae, Morobe Province, who developed acute flaccid paralysis.
This marks a pivotal moment in the country’s polio response, confirming that the virus has transitioned from environmental detection to direct impact on children.
To combat the spread, Papua New Guinea launched a nationwide Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA) on 11 August 2025, targeting children under 10 years with the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2). The campaign has been extended to 5 September to help provinces reach the critical 95% coverage target. As of 26 August, national coverage stands at 41.2%, with Hela Province leading at 91%.
A second round of SIA is scheduled from 29 September to 17 October, which will include both nOPV2 and Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) to provide stronger and longer-lasting protection. Over 9 million doses of nOPV2 and 4 million doses of IPV have been secured, along with additional stocks of measles-rubella, pentavalent vaccines, Vitamin A, and deworming tablets.
Routine immunization is being integrated into both SIA rounds, especially for children under two years. Through the Periodic Intensification of Routine Immunization (PIRI), provinces are encouraged to boost coverage and build long-term community resilience. While uptake varies across regions, targeted efforts are underway to strengthen budget utilization and enhance service delivery, ensuring broader protection for children.
WHO and partners are leveraging digital tools like mSupply and ODK to track vaccine stocks and accountability. Community engagement is also a priority, with outreach through churches, schools, youth groups, and local leaders to ensure no child is left behind.
To date, 122 cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) have been reported, with 93 tested and confirmed negative for cVDPV2—an important indicator of active surveillance. Efforts are being intensified to strengthen surveillance systems nationwide, with targeted support for provinces that have yet to report cases.
The National Department of Health, with support from WHO and partners, is working to improve stool sample adequacy—currently at 62.5%—through enhanced training, logistics, and active case finding. These measures are vital to ensuring timely detection and response, and to interrupting poliovirus transmission across all communities.
“Polio is preventable. The vaccines are safe, effective, and free,” said Dr. Sevil Huseynova, WHO Representative in PNG. “But we must act together—with urgency and unity. WHO stands ready to support every province, every health worker, and every community.”
Papua New Guinea’s fight against polio continues with unwavering determination and robust collaboration across all levels of society. With strong leadership, active community engagement, and steadfast international support, the country is working to interrupt transmission and protect every child—moving closer to ending polio in PNG once and for all.