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Mekonnen DA, Bauri M, Pogo M, Shang M, Bettels D, Kabir SH, Edward W, Sibauk B, Dalton M, Miller G, Amarasinghe A, Takashima Y, Luo D, Huseynova S. Use of a catch-up programme to improve routine immunization in 13 provinces of Papua New Guinea, 2020-2022. Western Pac Surveill Response J 2023; 14:1-6. [PMID: 38230256 PMCID: PMC10789724 DOI: 10.5365/wpsar.2023.14.4.1055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Routine immunization coverage in Papua New Guinea has decreased in the past 5 years. This persistently low routine immunization coverage has resulted in low population immunity and frequent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable disease across the country. We describe the use of a catch-up programme to improve routine immunization during the coronavirus disease pandemic in Papua New Guinea during 2020-2022. Methods In June 2020, 13 provinces of Papua New Guinea were selected to undergo a vaccination catch-up programme, with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund. Twelve provinces received financial and logistic support through the Accelerated Immunization and Health Systems Strengthening programme, and one received support from WHO. All stakeholders were involved in planning and implementing the catch-up programme. Results Between July 2020 and June 2022, about 340 health facilities conducted catch-up activities. The highest number of children aged under 1 year were vaccinated in 2022 (n = 33 652 for third dose of pentavalent vaccine). The national coverage of routine immunization (including the catch-up vaccinations) increased between 2019 and 2020 - by 5% for the third dose of pentavalent vaccine, 11% for the measles-rubella vaccine and 16% for the inactivated poliovirus vaccine. The coverage declined slightly in 2021 before increasing again in 2022. Discussion The catch-up programme was an instrumental tool to improve routine immunization coverage between 2020 and 2022 and during the pandemic in Papua New Guinea. With appropriate technical and logistic support, including financial and human resources, catch-up programmes can strengthen routine immunization coverage across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dessie Ayalew Mekonnen
- World Health Organization Representative Office for Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, PapuaNew Guinea
| | - Mathias Bauri
- National Department of Health, Port Moresby, PapuaNew Guinea
| | - Martha Pogo
- National Department of Health, Port Moresby, PapuaNew Guinea
| | - Mei Shang
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Deborah Bettels
- World Health Organization Representative Office for Afghanistan, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Shaikh Humayun Kabir
- United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Waramin Edward
- National Department of Health, Port Moresby, PapuaNew Guinea
| | - Bieb Sibauk
- National Department of Health, Port Moresby, PapuaNew Guinea
| | | | - Geoff Miller
- Papua New Guinea–Australia Transition to Health, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Barton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Ananda Amarasinghe
- World Health Organization Representative Office for Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, PapuaNew Guinea
| | - Yoshihiro Takashima
- World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Dapeng Luo
- World Health Organization Representative Office for Afghanistan, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Sevil Huseynova
- World Health Organization Representative Office for Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, PapuaNew Guinea
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Wilson AN, Melepia P, Suruka R, Hezeri P, Kabiu D, Babona D, Wapi P, Morgan A, Vogel JP, Beeson J, Morgan C, Kelly-Hanku A, Scoullar MJL, Nosi S, Vallely LM, Kennedy E, Bohren MA, Homer CSE. Community perspectives and experiences of quality maternal and newborn care in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:780. [PMID: 37474934 PMCID: PMC10360243 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09723-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality maternal and newborn care is essential for improving the health of mothers and babies. Low- and middle-income countries, such as Papua New Guinea (PNG), face many barriers to achieving quality care for all. Efforts to improve the quality of maternal and newborn care must involve community in the design, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives to ensure that interventions are appropriate and relevant for the target community. We aimed to describe community members' perspectives and experiences of maternal and newborn care, and their ideas for improvement in one province, East New Britain, in PNG. METHODS We undertook a qualitative descriptive study in partnership with and alongside five local health facilities, health care workers and community members, using a Partnership Defined Quality Approach. We conducted ten focus group discussions with 68 community members (identified through church, market and other community-based groups) in East New Britain PNG to explore perspectives and experiences of maternal and newborn care, identify enablers and barriers to quality care and interventions to improve care. Discussions were transcribed verbatim. A mixed inductive and deductive analysis was conducted including application of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Quality Maternal and Newborn Care framework. RESULTS Using the WHO framework, we present the findings in accordance with the five experience of care domains. We found that the community reported multiple challenges in accessing care and facilities were described as under-staffed and under resourced. Community members emphasised the importance of good communication and competent, caring and respectful healthcare workers. Both women and men expressed a strong desire for companionship during labor and birth. Several changes were suggested by the community that could immediately improve the quality of care. CONCLUSIONS Community perspectives and experiences are critical for informing effective and sustainable interventions to improve the quality of maternal and newborn care and increasing facility-based births in PNG. A greater understanding of the care experience as a key component of quality care is needed and any quality improvement initiatives must include the user experience as a key outcome measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyce N Wilson
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
- School of Population and Global Health, Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Pele Melepia
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, Burnet Institute, Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
| | - Rose Suruka
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, Burnet Institute, Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
| | - Priscah Hezeri
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, Burnet Institute, Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
| | - Dukduk Kabiu
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, Burnet Institute, Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
| | | | - Pinip Wapi
- Nonga General Hospital, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
| | - Alison Morgan
- Global Financing Facility, World Bank, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Joshua P Vogel
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James Beeson
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Angela Kelly-Hanku
- Papua New Guinea Institute for Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Michelle J L Scoullar
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Somu Nosi
- Papua New Guinea Institute for Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Lisa M Vallely
- Papua New Guinea Institute for Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Elissa Kennedy
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Meghan A Bohren
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, School of Population and Global Health, Centre for Health Equity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Caroline S E Homer
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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Eghrari D, Scoullar MJL, Wilson AN, Peach E, Elijah A, Melepia P, SupSup H, Vallely LM, Siba PM, Kennedy EC, Vogel JP, Homer CSE, Robinson LJ, Fowkes FJI, Pomat W, Crabb BS, Beeson JG, Morgan CJ. Low knowledge of newborn danger signs among pregnant women in Papua New Guinea and implications for health seeking behaviour in early infancy - findings from a longitudinal study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:71. [PMID: 36703135 PMCID: PMC9878757 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05322-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, 2.5 million babies die in the first 28 days of life each year with most of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Early recognition of newborn danger signs is important in prompting timely care seeking behaviour. Little is known about women's knowledge of newborn danger signs in Papua New Guinea. This study aims to assess this knowledge gap among a cohort of women in East New Britain Province. METHODS This study assessed knowledge of newborn danger signs (as defined by the World Health Organization) at three time points from a prospective cohort study of women in East New Britain Province, factors associated with knowledge of danger signs after childbirth were assessed using logistic regression. This study includes quantitative and qualitative interview data from 699 pregnant women enrolled at their first antenatal clinic visit, followed up after childbirth (n = 638) and again at one-month post-partum (n = 599). RESULTS Knowledge of newborn danger signs was very low. Among the 638 women, only 9.4% knew three newborn danger signs after childbirth and only one knew all four essential danger signs defined by Johns Hopkins University 'Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness' Index. Higher knowledge scores were associated with higher gravidity, income level, partner involvement in antenatal care, and education. CONCLUSION Low levels of knowledge of newborn danger signs among pregnant women are a potential obstacle to timely care-seeking in rural Papua New Guinea. Antenatal and postnatal education, and policies that support enhanced education and decision-making powers for women and their families, are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donya Eghrari
- grid.1056.20000 0001 2224 8486Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michelle J. L. Scoullar
- grid.1056.20000 0001 2224 8486Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia ,Burnet Institute, Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
| | - Alyce N. Wilson
- grid.1056.20000 0001 2224 8486Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Peach
- grid.1056.20000 0001 2224 8486Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Arthur Elijah
- grid.412690.80000 0001 0663 0554University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea ,grid.415118.80000 0004 8340 8668Port Moresby General Hospital, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | | | - Hadlee SupSup
- East New Britain Provincial Health Authority, Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
| | - Lisa M. Vallely
- grid.417153.50000 0001 2288 2831Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea ,grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia ,grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Peter M. Siba
- grid.449086.70000 0001 0581 065XCenter for Health Research and Diagnostics, Divine Word University, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Elissa C. Kennedy
- grid.1056.20000 0001 2224 8486Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Monash University, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1058.c0000 0000 9442 535XMurdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joshua P. Vogel
- grid.1056.20000 0001 2224 8486Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Caroline S. E. Homer
- grid.1056.20000 0001 2224 8486Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Leanne J. Robinson
- grid.1056.20000 0001 2224 8486Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.417153.50000 0001 2288 2831Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Freya J. I. Fowkes
- grid.1056.20000 0001 2224 8486Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - William Pomat
- grid.417153.50000 0001 2288 2831Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Brendan S. Crabb
- grid.1056.20000 0001 2224 8486Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James G. Beeson
- grid.1056.20000 0001 2224 8486Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Morgan
- grid.1056.20000 0001 2224 8486Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins University Affiliate, Baltimore, USA
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Ichimura Y, Yamauchi M, Yoshida N, Miyano S, Komada K, Thandar MM, Tiwara S, Mita T, Hombhanje FW, Mori Y, Takeda M, Hachiya M. Effectiveness of immunization activities on measles and rubella immunity among individuals in East Sepik, Papua New Guinea: A cross-sectional study. IJID REGIONS 2022; 3:84-88. [PMID: 35755474 PMCID: PMC9216679 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Measles and rubella are endemic in Papua New Guinea. The target age group had low anti-measles and anti-rubella IgG prevalence. The target group for immunization had higher measles and rubella IgG prevalence. The immunization program should be intensified to eliminate measles and rubella.
Objectives This study aimed to assess measles and rubella immunity by measuring virus-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) prevalence among individuals and evaluate the effectiveness of recent supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) by comparing the antibody positivity rates of the SIA target age groups in 2015 with those in 2019 as measles and rubella are endemic in Papua New Guinea. Methods A cross-sectional study. The measles- and rubella-specific IgG levels of patients aged ≥1 year at two clinics in East Sepik province, Papua New Guinea were assessed with commercially available virus-specific IgG EIA kits. Results In total, 297 people participated in the study and 278 samples with sufficient volume, relevant information, and age inclusion criteria were analyzed. The overall IgG prevalence rates were 62.6% for measles and 82.0% for rubella. The age groups targeted in the 2019 SIAs had a higher IgG prevalence than those targeted in the 2015 SIAs for both the infectious diseases. Moreover, the IgG prevalence for rubella was higher than measles in these groups. Conclusions The anti-measles and anti-rubella IgG prevalence in the target groups were lower than those required for herd immunity. The immunization program should be emphasized to eliminate measles and rubella. Further population-based studies are warranted.
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Wilson AN, Melepia P, Suruka R, Hezeri P, Kabiu D, Babona D, Wapi P, Bohren MA, Vogel JP, Kelly-Hanku A, Morgan A, Beeson JG, Morgan C, Spotswood N, Scoullar MJL, Vallely LM, Homer CSE. Partnership-defined quality approach to companionship during labour and birth in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea: A mixed-methods study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000102. [PMID: 36962285 PMCID: PMC10021905 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Companionship during labour and birth is a critical component of quality maternal and newborn care, resulting in improved care experiences and better birth outcomes. Little is known about the preferences and experiences of companionship in Papua New Guinea (PNG), and how it can be implemented in a culturally appropriate way. The aim of this study was to describe perspectives and experiences of women, their partners and health providers regarding labour and birth companionship, identify enablers and barriers and develop a framework for implementing this intervention in PNG health facilities. A mixed methods study was conducted with five facilities in East New Britain, PNG. Data included 5 facility audits, 30 labour observations and 29 in-depth interviews with women who had recently given birth, partners and maternity care providers. A conceptual framework was developed drawing on existing quality care implementation frameworks. Women and partners wanted companions to be present, whilst health providers had mixed views. Participants described benefits of companionship including encouragement and physical support for women, better communication and advocacy, improved labour outcomes and assistance with workforce issues. Adequate privacy and space constraints were highlighted as key barriers to address. Of the women observed, only 30% of women had a companion present during labour, and 10% had a companion at birth. A conceptual framework was used to highlight the interconnected inputs required at community, facility and provincial health system levels to improve the quality of care. Key elements to address included attitudes towards companionship, the need for education and training and restrictive hospital policies. Supporting women to have their companion of choice present during labour and birth is critical to improving women's experiences of care and improving the quality of maternal and newborn care. In order to provide companionship during labour and birth in PNG, a complex, intersecting, multi-faceted approach is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyce N Wilson
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pele Melepia
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, Burnet Institute, Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
| | - Rose Suruka
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, Burnet Institute, Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
| | - Priscah Hezeri
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, Burnet Institute, Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
| | - Dukduk Kabiu
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, Burnet Institute, Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
| | | | - Pinip Wapi
- Nonga General Hospital, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
| | - Meghan A Bohren
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joshua P Vogel
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Angela Kelly-Hanku
- Papua New Guinea Institute for Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alison Morgan
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Global Financing Facility, World Bank, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - James G Beeson
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher Morgan
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Jhpiego, The Johns Hopkins University affiliate, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Naomi Spotswood
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Michelle J L Scoullar
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lisa M Vallely
- Papua New Guinea Institute for Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Caroline S E Homer
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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