PNG to introduce injectable Inactivated Polio Vaccine and Measles Rubella Vaccines

Acting Australian High Commissioner Ms Bronte Moules (right)
 at the official launch event yesterday at Parliament House. 

Papua New Guinea will introduce the injectable Inactivated Polio Vaccine and Measles Rubella vaccines into its routine immunization program.
The National Department of Health along with its development partners launched a Special Integrated Routine EPI Strengthening Program to introduce the new vaccines to prevent the diseases and protect children’s health. In addition to the new vaccines, other routine immunizations will be provided and Vitamin A will be administered to children from 6-59 months of age along with deworming tablets.
The introduction of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine as a part of the routine immunisation schedule in Papua New Guinea is part of a worldwide rollout of the vaccine across 126 countries by the end of 2015 – the largest and fastest globally coordinated vaccine introduction project in history. It is funded as part of the budget of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and support is channelled through GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO and UNICEF.
Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the Hon. Peter O’Neill, said: “The introduction of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine is the result of significant progress for our country and the world against polio. It means we are another step closer to ridding the world of this terrible disease, and we are on a path to provide the best possible protection against this virus to all.”
Helen Evans, Special representative for the Asia Pacific Region to the Gavi CEO, said: “Polio remains a threat as long as there are cases anywhere in the world. By supporting the Inactivated Polio Vaccine and helping countries strengthen their routine immunisation systems, Gavi is contributing to the tremendous partnership that aims to rid the world of this disease once and for all.”
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is a public-private partnership committed to saving children’s lives and protecting people’s health by increasing access to immunisation in poor countries. In January 2015, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, announced Australia will commit $250 million to Gavi from 2016 to 2020. The pledge follows on from Australia’s previous contribution to Gavi of $250 million over five years.

Photo and Media Release by Australian High Commission