Papua New Guinea has declared a polio outbreak, prompting an immediate vaccination campaign to combat the highly infectious disease. The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that if left unaddressed, the outbreak could spread beyond the country’s borders.
According to WHO representative Sevil Huseynova, less than half of the population is immunised against polio, which has recently resurfaced in some parts of the world. The disease primarily affects children under five years old and spreads through contact with an infected person’s faeces or droplets when they cough and sneeze.
The latest outbreak was found to be carrying a virus strain genetically linked to one circulating in Indonesia. Health Minister Elias Kapavore has vowed to achieve 100% polio immunisation in the country by the end of this year, with the ongoing campaign targeting children aged 10 and below.
Global support is being provided for Papua New Guinea’s vaccination efforts, including assistance from UNICEF and Australia’s government. However, a significant disparity in vaccination coverage across the country has raised concerns, with some districts reporting as low as 8% coverage.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg9men89yvo