THE HON ANNE ALY MP

MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS

MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MINISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS

SENATOR THE HON PAT CONROY MP

MINISTER FOR PACIFIC ISLAND AFFAIRS 

$5 million support for Papua New Guinea’s Polio Preparedness and Response Efforts

Australia will make an immediate contribution of $5 million to support Papua New Guinea to respond to the detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus.

This funding, delivered through the World Health Organization (WHO), will support the integration of polio vaccines with other routine childhood immunisations.

It will help protect an estimated three million children nationwide and reduce the risk of future polio outbreaks.

Australia is also supporting a Technical Advisory Group – including two Australian experts in polio and child health – to provide independent recommendations to guide PNG’s response.

We are also a key contributor to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, WHO and UNICEF, who are playing important technical roles in supporting the response.

We acknowledge the swift and proactive measures taken by the Government of PNG to respond to the evolving situation, including stepping up surveillance, testing and advice to clinicians, as well as a catch-up immunisation campaign.

Quotes attributable to Pat Conroy, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs:

“Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of polio.

“That’s why we are working closely with the Government of Papua New Guinea to step up vaccination efforts to protect children and ensure a healthy region.”

Quotes attributable to Dr Anne Aly, Minister for International Development:

“We’re working in partnership with governments across our region to respond to the priorities of our Pacific neighbours, including improved access to health care and better immunisation coverage.

“A polio-free world is possible, Australia’s investments play a vital role in helping our region eradicate this devastating disease.