Experts warn Papua New Guinea is potential breeding ground for more Covid variants as vaccine rates are so low

Experts have warned that the next variant of Covid-19 to sweep the world could emerge on Australia’s doorstep in Paupa New Guinea, due to low rates of vaccination.

Papua New Guinea is Australia’s closest neighbour, and at its nearest point is just 4km from Australian territory.

At various points in the pandemic there have been fears that travellers from PNG could bring the virus to Australia.

Adrian Prouse, head of international humanitarian programs at the Australian Red Cross said "I’m worried that PNG is the next place where a new variant emerges”.

“In PNG less than 5% [of the adult population is vaccinated], in Indonesia, just under one-third. Two countries right on our doorstep with significant challenges in getting vaccines into arms.”

Stefanie Vaccher, an epidemiologist with the Burnet Institute who has been based in PNG since last year, echoed this concern.

“In populations that have low rates of vaccination coverage, there are more opportunities for the virus to spread and mutate. In PNG, where less than 4% of the population are vaccinated, there are a lot of opportunities for the virus to mutate and spread.”

Vaccher said the Australian government and people should care about the spread of Covid-19 in PNG not just for what it might mean for Australia.

“I don’t think it should matter which country a variant emerges in for the world to care. Countries have a responsibility to think globally and the pandemic has revealed how interconnected we are … It’s important not just because it’s a potential risk for their populations, who might lose hard-fought grounds, or people have struggled through lockdowns. These are people suffering in any country and their lives are equally as important as anyone else.”

Papua New Guinea has been dealing with a devastating outbreak of Covid-19 throughout 2021.