Madang to start second round of polio campaign

Madang Province will launch the second round of its polio vaccination campaign on Monday, 20 October, a week later than other provinces due to logistical challenges.

Acting Director of Public Health, Karoi Kamac, said the delay will not affect the province’s goal of reaching more children.

During the first round, Madang covered 70.9 per cent of children aged 0 to 10 years. In the second round, the province aims to increase coverage and expand the campaign to include other diseases such as whooping cough, tuberculosis, measles, and more.

“All 43 health facilities in the province will be participating,” Mr. Kamac said. “Unlike the first round, which only provided polio drops and Vitamin A, this round will address multiple childhood diseases.”

Mr. Kamac also thanked all health partners and stakeholders for their support during the first round, including the Madang Provincial Government, church health services, and local businesses.

The government provided K250,000 in financial support, which helped boost the initial campaign. He urged the same commitment for the second round, particularly from district development authorities, to ensure all children aged 0 to 10 are reached.

Family Health Coordinator Gerard Sui emphasized the importance of immunizing every child against polio. He said the campaign was sanctioned after two provinces recently recorded polio cases. Mr. Sui called on parents, teachers, and communities to ensure no child misses the second round.