Papua New Guinea is under a renewed attack from polio. This comes on the heels of finding circulating Poliovirus type 2 in wastewater samples first collected in March. The World Health Organization (WHO) just raised the alarm on this finding. This worry is based on the very quick international spread of the disease during a limited outbreak in 2018. While that outbreak was quickly contained, health officials are working proactively to ensure there is not a repeat.
Dr Sevil Huseynova, WHO Representative in Papua New Guinea, underscored the seriousness of the state of affairs. She cautioned that the poliovirus is now just one plane ride away from infecting our own country and those surrounding us. This exposure may very well reach areas across the world.
Polio, like any other infectious disease, everywhere is a threat, anywhere—particularly to our children. Polio in Papua New Guinea could easily spill over to all its immediate neighbors, and potentially anywhere in the world,” said Dr. Huseynova.
The discovery of the virus led to a strong surveillance response, especially in large cities. Lae and Port Moresby are the exclusive focus cities of this initiative. Health officials want to keep a watchful eye and prevent any further spread by keeping the at-risk young people in the population safe.
Papua New Guinea did well in 2018, as the country successfully contained a minor outbreak of polio. This accomplishment rekindled aspirations for the total eradication of the disease in the region. The strong new findings show that danger remains, requiring constant vigilance and aggressive public health action.
Public health officials continue to remind communities that polio is still a serious threat to public health—particularly in places with low vaccination rates. The ability of polio to move across borders serves as a powerful reminder of the need for sustained investment and cooperation to prevent and control disease worldwide.
Papua New Guinea authorities are already in dialogue with affected communities today. Through their efforts, they want to increase awareness surrounding polio and its effects today. Pandemic vaccination campaigns should be planned in advance to further enhance immunity in highly susceptible or vulnerable populations.
