MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that despite the present drought in Papua New
Guinea, the first of the country's National Immunisation Days (NIDS) was very
successful.
The $1.83 million program, conducted in September and October of this year,
is aimed at removing polio, measles, neonatal tetanus and other preventable
diseases from PNG and will see at least 680 thousand children vaccinated over
two five day periods.
Last week under the first phase of the plan, children were immunised against
polio. Pregnant women were also given tetanus toxoid to prevent neonatal tetanus
in their soon to be born babies.
With the threat of drought related diseases now becoming more apparent the
NIDS program has become even more important.
Coordinated by the World Health Organisation, NIDS relies on funding from a
number of donor countries, with Australia contributing A$1.83 million of the
A$2.8 million program.
As part of PNG'S Year Of Immunisation, the polio element of the NIDS program
targets children in every province with expected coverage levels of between 70
to 80 percent.
AusAID supports regular immunisation patrols under PNG's National Health Plan
(NHP). The NIDS program aims to supplement the practice by immunising as many
children as possible in a short period of time.
Media contacts: David Alexander, Mr Thomson's Office (02)
6277 4665 Mobile (0412) 146 181 Mark Giffard AusAID Public Affairs (02) 6206
4966