Measles coverage very low in PNG: Official

Measles and immunisation coverage in the country is very low at about 65 percent, says Berry Ropa, current outbreak manager.

Ropa says an outbreak can occur anywhere in the country.

“And it can be huge and devastating. We can have deaths and problems with our health system to cope with it,” he said.

His advice is for parents to take responsibility and bring their children to the nearest clinic for vaccination or inspection at the earliest show of measles.

“Vaccines are free and available,” he said.

He said the symptoms include fever and rash, and sometimes running nose and cough.  

Minister for Health, Sir Puka Temu, also confirmed that immunisation coverage in the country, in general, has dropped.

He said according to World Health Organisation standard, 80 percent of the country should be covered.

NDoH is working on programs to upskill immunisation efforts throughout the country, with immunisation partners like WHO and UNDP, stated the Minister.

(Current outbreak manager, Berry Ropa)

Author: 
Gloria Bauai