Round 2 of the Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination campaign is currently underway in Port Moresby for women of childbearing age.

While the initiative began last year, the second round was delayed as health authorities responded to the Type 2 Polio emergency.

The current rollout marks the return of Round 2 of the tetanus vaccination program.

Yesterday, a team from the St. Therese Urban Clinic in Hohola, visited PNGFM Limited to provide tetanus vaccinations to eligible staff of childbearing age.

Led by Clinic Manager Sr. Dorina, the team also administered polio vaccines as part of Polio Round 3 Supplementary Immunization Activities, following the campaign’s launch at Metoreia Urban Health Centre in Port Moresby last month.

“We have targeted women of childbearing age because tetanus is often linked to unclean conditions and dirty instruments.”

“If a young woman becomes pregnant and is not protected, she can be exposed to tetanus during childbirth.”

Although there has been a strong turnout at mobile vaccination sites set up across the city, greater awareness is needed to encourage more women to get the tetanus shot.

Furthermore, Sr. Dorina noted that women appear to respond more positively to mobile vaccination sites set up within their own communities.