The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) has been identified in stool samples from two healthy children in Papua New Guinea as of May 9. The appearance of either wild or vaccine-derived poliovirus, particularly in healthy children, is a significant public health concern, and the WHO characterized this situation as a “polio outbreak.”
While nobody has contracted wild polio recently, the disease remains endemic only in Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, vaccine-derived polio continues to spark outbreaks across various nations. In 2025 alone, several countries, including Nigeria and Ethiopia, have documented numerous cases of paralysis linked to polio.
This outbreak marks Papua New Guinea’s first encounter with polio since 2018 when a similar incident occurred in Lae city, Morobe province. The WHO highlighted that the immunization coverage in Papua New Guinea is alarmingly low, with only about 44% of the population receiving the necessary third dose of the vaccine to ensure protection.
In response to the outbreak, health authorities are amping up surveillance efforts and focusing on improving vaccination rates in the impacted region. It’s crucial, as poliomyelitis is highly infectious and can lead to severe complications, including paralysis, particularly in children under two years, who are the most at risk. Notably, the virus often presents no symptoms, making it challenging to detect early on.
Previous discussions among Pacific health officials, including remarks from Dr. Mark Jacobs of the WHO, underscore the importance of increasing the coverage of vaccine-preventable diseases across the region. These officials have noted that improved vaccination initiatives are vital in preventing potential outbreaks.
The situation in Papua New Guinea reflects a broader challenge faced by many nations in the Pacific, as vaccination rates have frequently fallen below the required threshold for herd immunity, exposing populations to outbreaks of various preventable diseases. Strengthening vaccination programs and improving health surveillance are crucial steps toward mitigating further health crises in the region.
With collaborative efforts and enhanced engagement from governments and communities, there is hope that Papua New Guinea can regain control over this public health challenge and protect its population from polio and other infectious diseases.
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