Papua New Guinea Deploying 13 Million Polio Vaccines

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 in 2025.

The case involves a 4-year-old unvaccinated boy from Lae, Morobe Province, who developed acute flaccid paralysis (AFP).

This marks a pivotal moment in the country's polio response, confirming that the virus has transitioned from being detected in the environment to directly impacting children.

A total of 28 positive samples were reported this year.

"Polio is preventable. The vaccines are safe, effective, and free," said Dr. Sevil Huseynova, WHO Representative in PNG, in a media statement on August 28, 2025.

"But we must act together—with urgency and unity. WHO stands ready to support every province, every health worker, and every community."

To combat the spread, Papua New Guinea launched a nationwide Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA) in August 2025, targeting children under 10 years with the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2).

The campaign has been extended to September 5 to help provinces reach the critical 95% coverage target. As of August 26, national coverage stands at 41.2%, with Hela Province leading at 91%.

A second round of SIA is scheduled from September 29 to October 17, 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.

According to the U.S. CDC, travelers to Papua New Guinea are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus and should be protected with the IPV. The CDC suggests IPV booster doses for some travelers.