By SEPKOLIN WALNE
National Department of Health has confirmed Papua New Guinea’s first polio case, a four-year-old unvaccinated child from Lae, who has been having acute flaccid paralysis caused by the polio virus.
NDOH Acting Secretary Ken Wai said: “In 2025, of the 112 children suspected of polio presenting with acute flaccid paralysis were investigated including laboratory testing of stool samples. Only at this time, a four-year-old has been confirmed by the laboratory.”
“Polio can cause life-long paralysis and it can also kill. There is no cure for polio, but it can be prevented. Immunisation is safe, free, and effective, and it protects children for life when given on time.”
Mr Wai said a second round of the campaign will run from 29 September to 17 October, covering all 22 provinces.
“This round will also introduce the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) alongside the oral polio vaccine (OPV), giving children stronger, longer-lasting protection.”
Minister for Health Elias Kapavore expressed grave concerns and called for urgent nationwide action.
“This is a clear warning that we must interrupt the transmission immediately by strengthening our emergency response even further.”
He called on parents, guardians and community leaders to ensure their children were immunized without delay.
“We cannot do this alone. While this case is unfortunate, it is also a wake-up call. Protect your children, family, and PNG,” Mr Kapavore said.