THE Malaita Provincial Health Authority has recently issued a warning to communities in Malaita regarding the threat of polio, following reports of an outbreak in neighboring Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Speaking during the handover ceremony of a water supply system at Kakalano Catholic Parish in West Kwara’ae, Malaita Provincial, Health Director Dr. David Danitofea highlighted the importance of immunization in preventing the spread of the disease.

“According to a report received by my office, Papua New Guinea recorded a polio outbreak last month,” Dr. Danitofea said. 

“The World Health Organization has officially declared the outbreak and is calling for an immediate vaccination campaign.”

Dr. Danitofea echoed the WHO’s call and urged communities across Malaita to take polio immunization seriously.

“It is critical that we work together with our health workers and prepare ourselves to respond effectively. Immunization is our best defense against this deadly disease,” he stated.

He revealed that, based on 2024 data, only 50–60 percent of the local population in Malaita had received the polio vaccine—a figure far below the threshold required to prevent an outbreak.

Dr. Danitofea acknowledged that vaccine hesitancy remains a major challenge in the province.

“In some areas, when our health workers visit communities to vaccinate babies, they face confrontation. 

“This should not happen if we want to protect our people from this deadly sickness.”

He further explained that some parents refuse immunisation when they are available but later seek help only when their children fall ill—sometimes when it’s too late.

“We need to change this behavior. Vaccination must happen before sickness strikes,” Dr. Danitofea warned.

The Malaita Provincial Health Authority continues to appeal to all residents to cooperate with health teams and ensure their children are vaccinated against polio.

By SOLOMON LOFANA

Solomon Star, Auki