By DALCY LULUA
The National Department of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), will launch the second round of the National Polio Immunization Campaign on Monday, October 13, 2025, at St Anne’s Primary School, Gerehu Stage 6, in the National Capital District.
The event will mark another significant milestone in Papua New Guinea’s ongoing efforts to eliminate polio and strengthen child health and immunization programs nationwide.
The launch will be officiated by Minister for Health Elias Kapavore with NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Acting Health Secretary Ken Wai, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific June Kunugi, WHO Country Representative Dr Tiko Josaiai, and Archbishop of Port Moresby Sir John Cardinal Ribat, who is also Chairman of the PNG Council of Churches.
Also expected to attend are Dr Robin Oge, CEO of the NCD Provincial Health Authority, and representatives from the Australian and New Zealand High Commissions.
The campaign’s Round Two will be rolled out across all regions of the country, while the New Guinea Islands
region will commence Round One during the same period.
According to the Department of Health, the campaign aims to reach every child under five years of age to ensure they are protected from the poliovirus.
The launch program will include awareness activities, children’s performances, and a live demonstration of the vaccination process.
The Health Department continues to work with its partners – UNICEF, WHO, and the Provincial Health Authorities – to ensure the successful implementation of the campaign nationwide.