The Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA) has confirmed the province’s first case of polio, sparking an urgent public health response. The virus was detected in a sample taken from a main sewer line in Warakum, Mt Hagen, raising alarm among health officials and prompting a province-wide immunization campaign.
WHPHA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Jane Holden, recently launched the Polio Integrated Immunization Campaign at Pope’s Oval.
Holden noted that the campaign aligns with a nationwide effort to combat the spread of polio, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners. A WHPHA team were also present at the Mt Hagen Cultural Show from August 15th to 17th, offering polio and other catch up vaccinations and medical awareness services.
What is Polio? Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause paralysis and even death. It primarily affects the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord and brain, and is most dangerous for unvaccinated children.
During the recent launch, Holden administered polio drops to two of ten children, symbolizing the start of a critical effort to protect the province’s youngest citizens.
“We must stop children dying from polio and getting paralyzed,” Holden said. “The onus is now on parents to bring in their children under the age of 10 to get vaccinated. It is free, and it is the only way to prevent this virus.”
The campaign’s first round will run until August 28, with WHPHA health teams mobilizing across the city, rural communities, and all four districts. The second round is scheduled to begin in September. WHPHA aims to vaccinate approximately 130,000 children under the age of 10 throughout the province.
Immunizations will be carried out at all health facilities throughout the province, through outreach and mobile teams, starting tomorrow. Community awareness programs will also be conducted to educate families on the importance of Polio immunization.
According to WHO representative Dr. Hafeez Rehman, the polio virus started in Indonesia in 2024 and reached Papua New Guinea earlier this year. The National Department of Health declared a
national outbreak in May.
“If your child gets polio, there is no cure,” Dr. Rehman warned. “They will be paralyzed for life or die. That is why prevention is better than cure.”
WHPHA Board Member Agnes Mek echoed the urgency, appealing to all parents to bring their children for vaccination. She also stressed the importance of communities taking ownership to ensure the children were vaccinated.
“It is the only way to prevent them from paralysis and lifelong bedridden conditions,” Mek said.
As the province rallies to contain the outbreak, health officials are calling on community leaders,churches, educators, and citizens to spread the message, support the campaign and ensure every child receives the life-saving vaccine.
