WHO Sounds the Alarm on Polio in Papua New Guinea

In a shocking development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared a polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea, unleashing a call for "immediate" action to bolster vaccination efforts across the nation.

Routine screenings in Lae, a bustling coastal city in the northeast, detected the highly infectious virus in two otherwise healthy children, raising concerns about the disease's resurgence.

Vaccination Coverage a Grave Concern

With less than half of the country's population properly vaccinated against polio—a disease on the brink of eradication—authorities are on high alert. WHO's representative, Sevil Huseynova, emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that polio could spread beyond Papua New Guinea's borders if decisive action isn't taken.

"We must achieve 100% vaccination coverage as quickly as possible," Dr. Huseynova stated emphatically at a recent press conference. "Polio knows no borders!"

The Polio Threat: What You Need to Know

Polio, caused by the poliovirus, primarily spreads through contact with infected faeces or respiratory droplets. Children under five are most at risk, and while most infections show no symptoms, severe cases can lead to paralysis or even death when respiratory muscles are affected.

Papua New Guinea celebrated its polio-free status until a resurgence in 2018, which was managed within that year. Alarmingly, the latest cases are connected to a virus strain circulating in Indonesia, with the two nations sharing a border.

Health Minister's Commitment

Elias Kapavore, the Health Minister, has vowed to achieve full immunization against polio by year's end, stating, "There is no excuse... Polio is a serious disease." The vaccination drive will primarily target children aged 10 and under, aiming to reach about 3.5 million people.

Community Collaboration Essential

As the campaign kicks off, the WHO, UNICEF, and the Australian government are joining forces to support Papua New Guinea's vaccination rollout. UNICEF's representative, Veera Mendonca, highlighted alarming disparities in vaccination rates, with some districts reporting coverage as low as 8%.

"That is simply unacceptable," Mendonca stressed, noting that efforts are underway to collaborate with local churches and community leaders to combat misinformation and educate the public.

Global Context: Polio's Resurgence

The threat of polio is not confined to Papua New Guinea. In recent years, countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan have reported cases, and the WHO has raised concerns about a potential outbreak in conflict-stricken Gaza, where traces of the virus have been found in wastewater.

As Papua New Guinea embarks on this critical vaccination initiative, the fight against polio has never been more urgent. The world is watching.