On World Immunization Week 2025, we reflect on the incredible achievements of immunization over the past decades. Vaccination has been the most impactful health intervention, significantly reducing mortality and improving the quality of life worldwide. Since 1974, vaccination has averted 154 million deaths and contributed to a 40% decline in global infant mortality. Today, 20 million people are walking who would have otherwise been paralyzed by polio, showcasing the transformative power of vaccines.
Despite the proven effectiveness of vaccines, not every child is receiving the protection they need. In Papua New Guinea, the Pentavalent first dose coverage was nearly 60% in 2024, leaving 144,000 children unprotected. To address this, WHO has supported the National Department of Health with $1.4 million USD under the Periodic Intensification of Routine Immunization (PIRI) initiative. This funding aims to strengthen efforts in 12 provinces by conducting mobile and outreach sessions to bring immunization services closer to communities.
/countries/papua-new-guinea/world-immunization-week-commemoration-event-at-6mile-clinic.jpeg?sfvrsn=27c406ce_1 "World Immunization Week Commemoration event at 6mile clinic")
PNG is set to implement the Tetanus Toxoid campaign for women of childbearing age, integrating routine immunization services to enhance protection against multiple diseases. WHO has supported national training for this campaign and continues to work closely with government and partners to build capacity and strengthen implementation across provinces. Visits to Morobe and Madang provinces have already taken place, reinforcing our commitment to this initiative.
Strengthening vaccine-preventable disease surveillance, including Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) and measles surveillance, is crucial to detect and respond to outbreaks promptly. WHO contributes to these surveillance activities through staff at national and provincial levels, ensuring timely responses to any vaccine-preventable disease occurrences. Technical support for laboratory testing and sample shipments abroad is also provided.
/countries/papua-new-guinea/routine-childhood-imunization-at-6mile-clinic--in-port-moresby--papua-new-guinea.jpg?sfvrsn=675faaee_1 "Routine childhood imunization at 6mile clinic, in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.")
Aligned with the World Health Day theme "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures," World Immunization Week 2025 emphasizes the urgent need to end preventable deaths and improve the well-being of mothers and children. The theme "Immunization for All is humanly possible" calls for collective action to increase immunization coverage to 80% this year. Let us unite to use the powerful tool of vaccination to save lives and protect our communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.