Papua New Guinea Faces Ongoing Challenges in Childhood Vaccination

Recent research and national data indicate that many children in Papua New Guinea have not received routine vaccinations, with coverage rates remaining low in several regions.

In East New Britain Province, a cross-sectional study conducted in 2023 examined factors influencing whether children aged 9 to 23 months received the first doses of pentavalent and measles-rubella vaccines. The study focused on the Gazelle and Kokopo districts and identified both barriers and enabling factors related to timely immunisation.

According to the study, about 34.5% of children in East New Britain in 2022 had not received the first pentavalent vaccine dose, while only 50.2% had received the initial measles-rubella vaccine. Nationally, first-dose coverage for both vaccines was below half in 2023, with 45% for pentavalent and 44% for measles-rubella.

The research found that children born in health facilities and those whose caregivers had high trust in healthcare workers were more likely to receive the pentavalent vaccine on time. For the measles-rubella vaccine, timely receipt was associated with caregivers who had tertiary or vocational education, considered vaccination affordable, and received clear explanations from healthcare workers about immunisation services.

What the numbers show

• 34.5% of children in East New Britain were zero-dose for pentavalent vaccine in 2022
• 50.2% of children in East New Britain received the first measles-rubella vaccine dose in 2022
• National coverage for first-dose pentavalent and measles-rubella vaccines was 45% and 44% respectively in 2023

Barriers to vaccination in East New Britain included limited access to health services, with many caregivers reporting that reaching clinics was difficult. The study also noted that most caregivers wanted their children to be immunised but faced logistical challenges.

Wider data from the Regional Immunisation Alliance indicated that nearly half of all children in Papua New Guinea miss routine vaccinations by their first birthday. This pattern highlights ongoing gaps in immunisation coverage across the country.

The study in East New Britain also identified that when healthcare workers took time to explain immunisation services and answer questions, caregivers were more likely to ensure their children received vaccines on schedule. Affordability of vaccination was another factor linked to higher rates of timely immunisation.

These findings suggest that improving access to health services and strengthening communication between healthcare workers and caregivers may support increased vaccination coverage in Papua New Guinea. The research provides insight into specific factors that influence whether children receive essential vaccines in a timely manner.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.