In a remarkable demonstration of swift medical response and community collaboration, six-week-old Angelina was saved after she contracted a severe case of tetanus. The infant was admitted to Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) in critical condition. Left untreated, over 90% of these infants do not survive.
Tetanus, caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, is a life-threatening disease characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to complications such as respiratory failure. The World Health Organization notes that tetanus remains a significant public health issue in areas with low immunization coverage, including PNG.
Upon diagnosis, PMGH medical staff faced a dire situation: the necessary antitoxin was unavailable in-country. Recognizing the urgency, the hospital reached out to Santos, a leading energy company, for help procuring the antitoxin. At the same time Air Niugini orchestrated delivery of the life-saving medication from Australia within 24 hours.
The antitoxin arrived late Sunday night and was administered immediately. Within 48 hours, Angelina showed significant signs of improvement.
Angelina’s mother expressed profound gratitude: “I was terrified of losing my baby. The doctors, Santos, and Air Niugini came together to save her life. I can’t thank them enough.”
Dr. Anna Toti, a paediatric specialist at PMGH, emphasized the importance of timely intervention: “Tetanus is preventable through vaccination, yet when it occurs, swift treatment is crucial. Angelina’s recovery is a testament to what coordinated efforts can achieve. If is lifesaving if families go to their local clinic to receive all their immunizations, including tetanus”
This incident underscores the critical need for widespread immunization. Currently, Papua New Guinea is undertaking a national Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination (MNTE) campaign, aiming to vaccinate women and girls aged 15 to 44 across several provinces, including the National Capital District.
Health officials urge all eligible individuals to participate in the vaccination drives to prevent future cases like Angelina’s.
For more information on the MNTE campaign and vaccination schedules, please contact your local health clinic.
