By GINNAH MINI
Japan has assisted the National Department of Health with JPY 663 million (PGK 18 million) to support PNG’s polio outbreak.
This partnership will enable a third round of targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk provinces expand acute flaccid paralysis and environmental surveillance, and establish laboratory capacity for poliovirus detection.
Minister for Health Elias Kapavore highlighted the significance of this partnership.
“This latest support demonstrates a deep friendship and commitment to ensuring that no child in this country is left vulnerable to this paralyzing disease,” said Mr Kapavore.
He added the partnership reflected a neutral respect and a vision for resilient, healthy and prosperous public.
Polio or poliomyelitis is an infectious disease that affects children under the age of five resulting in paralysis. More than 31 cases have been detected in PNG last year.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to PNG, Mochizuki Hisanobu, said that Japan has remained committed to supporting PNG, especially in the health sector.
“Polio eradication remains one of the most important global public health priorities,” Mochizuki.
“Today’s ceremony aligns closely with the WHO’s Global Polio Eradication Strategy and supports PNG national health priorities. It reflects our collective determination to ensure that no child is left vulnerable to a disease as we have the knowledge and tools to prevent.”
Japan is committed to the success of this project through close collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Department of Health.
The Department of Health is dedicated to a process that is effective in stopping polio with partnership support from Australia, New Zealand, UNICEF and others to ensure that every child in high risk provinces are vaccinated.