Together for Every Child: PNG Rallies Against Polio

Papua New Guinea launched the second round of its nationwide Polio Immunization Campaign on 13 October 2025, building on the lessons and successes of Round 1. With UNICEF’s support, PNG is taking action to protect its children and stop the current polio outbreak. 

This feature reflects on the triumphs of the first round and highlights how all efforts are now focused on the next round of immunizations.

What worked: Key highlights from Polio Round 1 successes

While there is still much to be done, the first round of the polio immunization campaign showed several promising trends.

Caption: The first round’s success was driven by strong collaboration between the National Department of Health, UNICEF, WHO, DFAT, MFAT, Global Polio Eradication Initiative and other partners. Strong national leadership and vital financial and technical support from donors and partners helped Papua New Guinea respond rapidly to the polio outbreak.

Caption: Exceptional efforts in Hela, Jiwaka, Eastern Highlands, National Capital District and many other provinces led to the polio immunization campaign national coverage rate of 83.3%. Dedicated health workers and active community participation were key to this success.

• Effective Vaccine and Supplies Deployment: UNICEF ensured timely arrival and distribution of 3.5 million dozes of polio vaccines and Information, Education and Information (IEC) materials to ensure supplies to the remotest corners of the country. More than 1.3 million IEC materials designed, produced and distributed on-time. 

• Strong Community Engagement: Vaccines and IEC materials alone are not enough. UNICEF also engaged parents and communities, using trusted voices on radio, television, and in community meetings.

• Comprehensive Training Programs: UNICEF facilitated training sessions for provincial trainers from all 22 PNG provinces, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to deliver consistent messaging, planning, distribution, documentation and management of polio vaccines  and effectively engage communities during social mobilization activities.

UNICEF in Action: On the Ground, Protecting PNG's Children

Caption: A UNICEF staff explains the importance of the polio immunization to a family in Jiwaka.

Caption: Maintaining the cold chain is vital to ensure vaccines remain effective. UNICEF provides crucial support for logistics and supply management.

“This campaign is not only urgent - it is vital. We must see this moment for what it truly is: a call to action - a powerful reminder that no country is immune from the resurgence of diseases such as polio when routine immunization coverage is low, and of the urgent need to reach every child, no matter where they live.” - Dr. Veera Mendonca, Representative, UNICEF Papua New Guinea

Caption: UNICEF supports community mobilization and social engagement activities, working closely with local leaders to reach all families. 3,500 volunteers engaged in their communities to carry out awareness raising activities. 

Caption: UNICEF engaged with schools and teachers to educate children about polio and the importance of immunization.

Caption: Religious Leaders including PNG Council of Churches joined the Polio campaign and endorsed the significance of immunization during various religious and social gatherings.

Caption: UNICEF is used 4 radio stations, 2 TV channels, and 2 newspapers, nationwide coverage, to inform populations across PNG about the polio immunization campaign. These efforts ensure that families stay informed and engaged. Let’s work together to protect every child.

Caption: To share campaign information and tackle misinformation online, UNICEF has launched campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Google Ads. We’re reaching out to all social media users in PNG, help us spread the word and keep children safe from polio.

Caption: To amplify the polio messages, UNICEF has trained and engaged key social media influencers in PNG. They are now producing and sharing content on their platforms to raise awareness about immunization and encourage families to participate.

UNICEF works closely with the National Department of Health, the National Department of Education, PNG Council of Churches, WHO, DFAT, MFAT, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Global Polio Eradication Initiative, KS Relief and local partners to ensure a coordinated and effective polio response across Papua New Guinea. 

But UNICEF cannot do it alone - we need your support. Every one of us has a role to play in ensuring that every child in Papua New Guinea is protected against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Remember to share verified, accurate information with your family, neighbours, and communities.

Let us protect our children from this deadly disease. Get every child immunized against polio from 13 to 31 October 2025. Visit your nearest health facility, school, or the teams visiting your community. 

Let us unite against Polio. Let us unite FOR EVERY CHILD. 

“I want to commend the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Honourable Minister for Health, the National Department of Health, the NEOC, our dedicated health workers, and all our partners for achieving 83% coverage in the first round of the campaign. Despite enormous geographical, logistical, and social challenges, your collective commitment has protected thousands of children from polio and brought PNG one step closer to ending this outbreak.” - June Kunugi, Regional Director, UNICEF East Asia and the Pacific.