Preparation of MDA and immunisation under progress in West Sepik

Preparations for the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) and Intensified Routine Immunisation (IRI) campaign in West Sepik Province are progressing, with health authorities targeting a launch in the last week of September or the first week of October 2026.

The West Sepik Provincial Health Authority says key preparations are now underway across the province, following a three-day Provincial Training of Trainers held from August 26 to 28.

A total of 91 participants, including facilitators, attended the training, with district teams now returning to their respective areas to prepare for health facility-level training.

The health authority says all MDA logistics have arrived in Vanimo, with sorting and packing completed and distribution to districts now underway.

The second lot of supplies was moved to Aitape and Lumi on September 2, while distribution to Nuku, Vanimo Green and other areas is continuing.

The logistics team is expected to complete distribution to the districts by September 7, while arrangements are being made to transport supplies to Telefomin through an MAF air charter.

However, the campaign continues to face a funding shortfall of about K1.6 million.

The Provincial Health Authority is seeking additional financial support from the National Department of Health, Sandaun Provincial Government and District Development Authorities.

The authority has allocated K500,000 from its Health Function Grant towards MDA and IRI preparedness and implementation.

Meanwhile, a planned Digicel SMS awareness campaign is expected to reach around 39,000 subscribers across West Sepik Province.

Health authorities have also developed MDA and IRI radio jingles in Tok Pisin and English, which will be broadcast through NBC Radio Sandaun in Vanimo, as well as Radio Maria and Radio Light in Nuku.

A fortnightly live talk-back program on Radio Sandaun is also being arranged to provide further information and public engagement on the campaign.

Social media, newsletters, banners, billboards and advocacy meetings will also be used to support public awareness.

The province is continuing its routine immunisation activities alongside preparations for the MDA campaign.

Aitape-Lumi has started its round three routine immunisation, while Nuku and Vanimo Green are preparing for their round three activities. Telefomin will conduct its round two immunisation activities.

At district level, Nuku Health Centre has already started health facility-level training, while other districts are preparing to begin their training.

Provincial emergency team have also confirmed the record of rainfall across all districts over the past two weeks, it has improved water supplies at health facilities and staff accommodation following prolonged dry conditions.

The rainfall has also improved access to waterways in some riverine areas.

However, health authorities are monitoring the possibility of flooding affecting the movement of MDA supplies if roads and rivers become affected.

Districts are expected to complete round three routine immunisation activities by September 16, while all health facility-level MDA and IRI training is expected to be completed by September 25.

The West Sepik Provincial Health Authority says preparations and awareness activities will continue as the province moves towards the planned MDA and IRI campaign launch.