Children set to be vaccinated

A MAJOR immunisation programme launched in the Eastern Highlands on Wednesday, means that hundreds of children are set to be vaccinated against preventable diseases.
The accelerated immunisation and health system strengthening (AIHSS) programme supports provincial health authorities (PHAs) to deliver immunisation and is expected to reach more than 400,000 children.
The launch event was attended by Eastern Highlands Health Authority chief executive officer Dr Joseph Apa, Eastern Highlands government representatives and Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp.
Dr Apa said the programme would support the PHA sustainably strengthen delivery of routine immunisation and improve the key performance indicators in the province.
“This programme will make sure that children have access to vital immunisation and are protected against a range of preventable diseases,” he said.
“It will also build capacity within our health authority, ensuring that these can be sustainably delivered into the future.”
The programme is an initiative of the PNG Government and supported by the governments of Australia and New Zealand and Gavi, the vaccine alliance.