World Polio Day reminds us of the need to increase childhood immunisation to prevent polio and other serious diseases across Papua New Guinea.
This year’s World Polio Day theme is focused on a healthier future for children. By ensuring that children are fully immunised – from birth through to early childhood – they will be well placed to reach their full developmental potential.
Polio can cause death or result in life-long disability. It is not curable but can be easily prevented through vaccination. A child who is fully immunised for polio will be protected for life from this debilitating disease.
Julian Won contracted polio at a very young age, and it has permanently affected the use of his legs.
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Julian Won is the chairman of the Disabled Persons Organisation in Vanimo, West Sepik province, and is a strong advocate for social inclusion.
“I was infected with the polio virus when I was one-year old back in the 1970s. Back then the health facilities were not equipped with polio vaccines,” said Julian.
“Polio has no cure. I did not receive the polio vaccine when I was a child which resulted in my permanent disability that has limited me from doing everyday tasks. Growing up and living with the polio-inflicted disability, I have experienced challenges that another person in my shoes would need a lot of rehabilitation,”
“I can still use my left leg, so I use crutches to walk short distances and a wheelchair to go longer distances.”
Now an advocate for polio vaccines, Julian is keen to support the delivery of PNG’s Childhood immunisation program.
“I encourage all mothers to bring your babies to the nearest health facility to be vaccinated so they can get their polio vaccine at an early age. Your children are now very fortunate to have the polio vaccine and other vaccines freely available so there is no reason not to protect your children from preventable diseases.”
The Accelerated Immunisation and Health System Strengthening (AIHSS) program has increased vaccination across 12 provinces through Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) and implementation service providers. Since AIHSS commenced in 2019, over 295,700 doses of polio vaccines have been administered to infants under one year old.
AIHSS is an initiative of the Government of Papua New Guinea and funded by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100