By: Julie Badui Owa – EMTV News, Lae
The second round of polio vaccinations for Morobe Province began yesterday(August 20), and will end on 02nd September.
The campaign in Lae for Ward One area began at Eriku and continued to Nawae block today.
The Health Officer heading the team, Joan Ju Wagi said a mop-up activity will continue over the weekend, for those who have missed out on the polio vaccination.
At the Nawae market area in Lae, parents stood with their children under umbrellas for their children to be immunized this morning.
Since yesterday, nearly 600 children have been vaccinated. The target is 1200.
According to Morobe’s Health Advisor, Micah Yawing, there has only been one confirmed polio case in the Province, and 3 suspected cases.
This polio campaign is the Health Department’s response to the current outbreak of poliovirus in PNG, after 18 years of being polio-free.
The first polio vaccination round was held from 16th July to 3rd August. Over 100 thousand children were vaccinated in Morobe Province.
Sr. Ju Wagi said they will do a re-check and make sure no child has missed out. The 3rd and 4th round will continue in September through to October.
She has called on the parents to make time available to bring their children under 5-years old for the vaccination to protect them from polio.
