The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for International Development
The Albanese Government will provide an additional $2 million to support Papua New Guinea’s efforts to increase polio vaccination rates and support a healthy region.
This raises Australia’s contribution to Papua New Guinea’s fight against the recent polio outbreak to $7 million.
In 2025 an estimated three million children in Papua New Guinea received polio vaccinations and other routine childhood immunisations against diseases such as measles, thanks to a $5 million investment by the Albanese Government.
This additional investment, delivered via the World Health Organisation, will target children under five in high-risk provinces and strengthen disease surveillance to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Our contribution will also support a revised National Immunisation Strategy to help address persistently low vaccination coverage in Papua New Guinea.
Quotes attributable to Pat Conroy, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs:
“Australia is proud to be working closely with the Government of PNG to help protect children against polio.
“This investment is part of our commitment to working in partnership with our friends Papua New Guinea, towards a polio free PNG and a healthy region.”
Quotes attributable to Dr Anne Aly, Minister for International Development:
“Every child deserves the protection that vaccination provides.
“This additional investment reflects Australia’s commitment to working alongside Papua New Guinea to respond to the current outbreak, strengthen immunisation efforts, and support a healthy and resilient region, which is important to Australia.”