WHO: 1.28mil PNG children safe

THE 1.28 million children immunised during campaigns integrating polio, measles and rubella vaccines has means they are now protected against three of the most dangerous diseases.
WHO country representative in PNG Dr Luo Dapeng said: “With many countries experiencing measles outbreaks, we have boosted the immunity of more than a million children in PNG against three of the world’s most contagious diseases.”
Dapeng said he was impressed with coverage of the vaccination campaign.
“Those numbers tell us about the population of boys and girls we have protected against the diseases.”
He praised the hard work, sacrifices, courage and resilience of the PNG health workers.
“Those numbers meant sleepless nights, long walks in muddy terrain, dangerous boat rides across rough seas and chopper drops in mountains and remote areas.”
He said the numbers proved that with sufficient technical support and resources, they could improve the immunisation coverage and leave an enduring legacy of good health in PNG.
“The numbers provide us with great opportunity and together we must ensure that we sustain the momentum of these vaccination campaigns and leave a health system that is better than when we found it.”
He said WHO would continue to support PNG’s health in the long term in partnership with the Government.