Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one of only ten countries globally-and the only one in the Pacific region-that has yet to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT), a deadly but vaccine preventable disease. With efforts to begin to eliminate this deadly disease through immunization and vaccination, the National Department of Health (NDoH) and the National Capital District (NCD) Provincial Health Authority (PHA) in partnership with UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO) and key stakeholders, launched the first phase of the Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination (MNTE) Campaign today, Wednesday 4th June 2025. NDoH Acting Deputy Secretary Dr. Penial Boas when officially launching the campaign, encouraged everyone that in order to eliminate tetanus and other disease, everyone is responsible to get themselves and their young ones immunized and vaccinated. Tetanus can be effectively prevented through timely immunization, quality antenatal care, and safe, supervised birth deliveries. This nationwide initiative will also provide integrated health services to women and children, with the first phase targeting seven provinces: National Capital District (NCD), Central, Milne Bay, West New Britain, Southern Highlands, East Sepik and Manus, while the remaining provinces will be covered in the second phase. The campaign will be implemented in three rounds in each province. During the campaign, all girls and women aged 15-44 years, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, will receive three doses of tetanus vaccine in three campaign rounds, regardless of their previous immunization status. Timely vaccination for adolescent girls is especially important for long-term and maximum protection. The vaccine used in this campaign is the same SAFE and EFFECTIVE Tetanus vaccine that is already included in PNG's national routine immunization program, commonly administered during pregnancy and childbirth. While many women may have received this vaccine in the past, immunity decreases over time, making repeat doses is essential for lasting protection. All eligible girls and women must receive all THREE DOSES during the three campaign rounds to ensure full immunity. Free services offered during the campaign include:

1. Girls and Women (15-44 years): Free Tetanus vaccination during three campaign rounds.
2.  Pregnant Women: Free distribution of Mama Books, Iron and Folic Acid tablets, and vital information on antenatal care and safe birth deliveries.
3. Children under 2 years: Routine immunization against 10 vaccine-preventable diseases, including Tetanus, polio, measles, rubella, TB, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Pneumonia etc.

ALL GIRLS and WOMEN (15-44 years) in the target age group are strongly encouraged to visit their nearest health facility, outreach team, or mobile team site in their communities to receive their Free Tetanus immunization during the campaign. The department is calling on all husbands, partners, parents, caregivers, and community leaders to play a supportive role in ensuring every Girl and Women are fully immunized against Tetanus.