Vaccination Barriers in Papua Latest Guinea: Trust and Access Challenges

Four in ten children in Papua New Guinea’s East New Britain Province (ENBP) did not receive vaccinations in 2023, according to new research. A study led by the Burnet Institute found that while most caregivers support vaccinating their children, practical obstacles—including travel costs, distance to clinics and inconsistent vaccine availability—are hindering access to routine immunizations.

Understanding the Barriers to Vaccination

The research, published in the journal BMJ Public Health, interviewed 33 caregivers and 28 healthcare workers in the Gazelle and Kokopo districts of ENBP in 2023. The study aimed to understand the experiences of both families and healthcare providers involved in routine childhood immunization programs. The research was conducted in partnership with the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority, PNG National Department of Health, PNG Institute of Medical Research and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

The Role of Trust and Communication

Burnet Institute Head of Immunization and Health Systems Strengthening, Dr. Milena Dalton, emphasized the importance of clear communication in building trust and improving vaccination rates. “When a health worker takes the time to explain why a vaccine matters, not just administer it and send the family home, caregivers leave feeling informed and confident to return. That conversation makes an enormous difference,” Dr. Dalton said. The study also highlighted the positive impact of involving community leaders early in the process.

Practical Challenges to Access

The most significant barriers identified were distance, travel costs, and vaccine supply issues. Caregivers reported traveling long distances to clinics only to discover vaccines were unavailable. Women traveling alone or with multiple young children also expressed concerns about safety during travel and the difficulty of arranging childcare while seeking vaccinations.

Challenges Faced by Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers reported facing their own set of challenges, including staff shortages, non-functioning aid posts, limited transportation, and restricted resources for outreach programs. Some facilities reported needing to reschedule vaccination clinics due to a lack of trained staff. “What they face are practical barriers: the cost of a bus fare, a health post that has run out of vaccines, a clinic too far to reach safely on foot,” Dr. Dalton explained.

Strategies for Improvement

The research identified several strategies already showing promise in improving vaccination coverage. Door-to-door outreach was particularly effective in reaching families who could not afford to travel and identifying children who might otherwise be missed. Engaging community and religious leaders before outreach visits increased the number of families willing to receive vaccines, and support from husbands and extended family members helped caregivers complete the full immunization schedule.

The Global Impact of Vaccination and PNG’s Challenges

Globally, vaccines have saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past 50 years. However, Papua New Guinea faces significant challenges, with approximately 44% of children receiving no vaccinations in 2023—one of the highest rates worldwide.

Publication Details:

Milena Dalton et al, Caregiver and healthcare professional perspectives on drivers of routine immunisation uptake in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea: a qualitative study, BMJ Public Health (2026). DOI: 10.1136/bmjph-2025-003553

Source: Medical Xpress