WPHA KICKS OFF SECOND PHASE OF POLIO VACCINATION

By Kenny ROMANUS, Kiunga

The Western Provincial Health Authority (WPHA) has kicked off the second phase of its polio immunization campaign in the South Fly, North Fly, Middle Fly, and Delta Fly districts, starting Monday, October 13. This phase follows the partial success of the initial campaign that began in August 2025.

This round focuses on children aged 0–10, particularly school-age children and those under five who are not yet in school. Over the next 15 days, vaccination teams will continue administering doses of the circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) vaccine, urging children who received the first dose to return for their second. Children who missed earlier routine immunizations will also be included.

Mr. Brian Gebob Ambrias, WPHA’s EPI Program Manager, explained that Phase One was rolled out in stages, beginning with Middle Fly and Delta Fly on August 13, followed by South Fly and North Fly on August 18. Of WPHA’s 42 health facilities, 36 participated in the initial round. The remaining six, which faced operational delays, are expected to catch up during this second phase.

The campaign initially aimed to vaccinate 111,107 children. By the end of the first phase, 55.4% coverage had been achieved. To reach more remote communities, the campaign was extended by five days, officially ending on September 12.

The campaign gained urgency after a confirmed case of polio-related paralysis was reported in Lae, Morobe Province. The case involved a four-year-old unvaccinated child and marked the first such incident since the national outbreak was declared in May 2025.

“This is a serious reminder,” said Mr. Ambrias. “Every child who isn’t vaccinated puts others at risk. We are also including routine vaccines with nOPV2 and fIPV to boost immunity.”

He called on parents, guardians, community leaders, schools, and churches to take part and support the initiative, highlighting the shared responsibility of protecting children’s health.

WPHA expressed gratitude to its partners, including World Vision, PNGSDP, ECPNG Health Services, Catholic Church Health Services, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), the National Department of Health, WHO, and UNICEF for their continued support with logistics, technical aid, and coordination.

This campaign in Western Province is part of the national strategy to eliminate polio and ensure that every child is protected.