West Sepik rolls out mass drug administration and immunization campaign
The West Sepik Provincial Health Authority (WSPHA) will roll out its Mass Drug Administration (MDA) on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) and Intensified Routine Immunization (IRI) campaign from October to November 2026, after officially launching it in Vanimo last Friday.
The campaign targets lymphatic filariasis, a mosquito-borne disease that causes elephantiasis and chronic swelling, along with other neglected tropical diseases including yaws, ulcers and scabies.
WSPHA Chief Executive Officer Stanley Masi said West Sepik is the fourth province in the country to roll out the program, after New Ireland, East New Britain and West New Britain.
Mr Masi said many people in the province have suffered from these diseases in silence, with cases often not reported at health facilities.
"For too long our people have suffered from these tropical diseases. This mass drug administration will be given to all citizens to help us eliminate these diseases. I urge all citizens to participate. Parents, this is your responsibility to ensure your children receive these doses and immunizations for their future health," Masi said.
The PHA acknowledged the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), National Department of Health and the National Government for funding the program.
Chief Advisor of the JICA Lymphatic Filariasis Project in PNG, Dr. Masato Yamauchi, assured residents the treatment is safe.
"The provinces that have successfully rolled out this treatment have reported many people are now free from these diseases. West Sepik can also achieve this," Dr Yamauchi said.
The campaign will be implemented from Monday, 5th October to November 2026, with all health centres to administer treatment across districts and LLGs.
CEO Masi told NBC News that funding remains a challenge, with no support yet from the Sandaun Provincial Administration and most District DDAs, except Nuku District which has assisted.
The Sandaun Provincial Administration, through Deputy Provincial Administrator Timothy Teklan, has however pledged its support for the rollout.