WHO Declares Polio Outbreak in Papua New Guinea

WHO Declares Polio Outbreak in Papua New Guinea

Why in the News ?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea after detecting the virus in healthy children during routine screening. WHO has urged for urgent immunization efforts as the country’s vaccination rate remains critically low.

WHO Declares Polio Outbreak in Papua New Guinea

Outbreak Detection and Response:

  • WHO confirmed a polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea’s Lae city, after poliovirus was detected in asymptomatic children.
  • The detection occurred during a routine health screening, raising alarm due to the infectious nature of the virus.

  • The organization has called for an immediate nationwide vaccination campaign to control the spread.

Papua New Guinea’s Immunization Challenge

  • The country was declared polio-free in 2000, but had a brief outbreak in 2018, which was contained.
  • However, less than 50% of the population is currently immunised, making it vulnerable to such resurgences.
  • The low vaccine coverage underscores the need for sustained public health initiatives and global cooperation.

Polio and Its Impact:

●     Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, spreading via faecal matter or respiratory droplets.

●     It predominantly affects children under five, potentially leading to permanent paralysis or even death in severe cases.

●     Global eradication efforts have reduced polio cases worldwide, but resurgence remains a concern in low-immunization regions.