Dept administered over 150,000 vaccines

MORE than 150,000 polio vaccines have been administered to children under five years since last year, according to the Australian High Commission.
“This was achieved through the PNG Government-led accelerated immunisation and health systems strengthening project supported by Australia, New Zealand and Gavi, the vaccine alliance to ensure that no child suffers from a vaccine-preventable disease such as polio,” the high commission said in a statement.
It stated that the project was increasing immunisation coverage for polio – and other vaccine-preventable diseases – to protect individuals and communities and prevent outbreaks, as in 2018 when polio re-emerged in Papua New Guinea.
“As we commemorate World Polio Day today (yesterday), we are reminded that immunisation is the most effective defence against infectious diseases.
“Australia is committed to supporting the delivery of vaccines to protect people from polio, as well as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, influenza, measles and the Coronavirus (Covid-19).
“We encourage all parents to visit their nearest health clinic to have their children vaccinated against polio and other diseases as part of their routine childhood immunisation.”