BLUF
Recent polio cases in Papua New Guinea highlight the urgent need for stronger health systems—disease control still depends on widespread access, fast responses and consistent international cooperation. PNG's routine immunisation rate remains critically low.Learning Outcomes
• Recognise the interplay between national and international responses to complex challenges — The article shows how local outbreaks, like PNG’s polio case, have cross-border consequences requiring cooperation.
• Understand factors that impact decision-making during emergencies — The authors outline how previous lessons, low vaccine coverage and political will shape the speed and effectiveness of outbreak responses.
• Identify and evaluate health-related vulnerabilities in our region — It provides insight into gaps in immunisation and surveillance that affect both regional health and broader biosecurity.
