$10 million boost for immunisation in PNG

Australia will provide $10 million in support tocombat infectious diseases in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Low rates of immunisation have led to recentoutbreaks of preventable diseases such as polio, measles, and whooping cough.

Australia's contribution will support the PNGGovernment's major vaccination campaign and help increase routine immunisationlevels to avoid future outbreaks.

The PNG Government has declared the recent poliovirus outbreak a national public health emergency.

The Australian High Commission in Port Moresby isworking closely with the PNG Government, the World Health Organization andUNICEF to monitor the current polio outbreak and provide assistance.

PNG is our nearest neighbour. Outbreaks of infectiousdiseases are a threat to both PNG's and Australia's health security.

This package of support adds to Australia's existingbilateral assistance to PNG's health sector.

Globally, Australia makes substantial contributionsto the fight against infectious diseases, including through internationalorganisations such as Gavi the Vaccine Alliance; UNICEF; and the Global PolioEradication Initiative – all of which are supporting PNG.