WHO Confirms Polio Outbreak in Papua New Guinea Linked to Indonesia Strain

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea, with genetic analysis linking the strain to neighboring Indonesia. Health Minister Elia Kapavor aims to achieve 100% polio immunization by the year-end.

Low vaccination rates and concerns of cross-border spread have prompted urgent nationwide immunization campaigns supported by UNICEF Australia. Dr.

Sevil Huseynova emphasizes the critical need for full vaccination coverage to combat the highly infectious poliovirus. The outbreak threatens to reverse two decades of progress against the disease.