The Ministry of Health is set to initiate a polio vaccination campaign across 10 high-risk counties to curb polio transmission.
The move follows the detection of six poliovirus cases among children in the Hagadera Refugee Camp in Garissa County.
Principal Secretary Ms. Mary Muthoni Muriuki of Public Health and Professional Standards announced the campaign during a national stakeholder meeting.
The recent cases were identified through thorough surveillance and subsequent laboratory analysis.
In response to the new challenges, the Ministry of Health swiftly identified ten high-risk counties, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Garissa, Kitui, Machakos, Tana River, Lamu, Wajir, and Mandera, as focal points for the emergency polio vaccination campaign.
The campaign aims to vaccinate approximately 7.4 million children under five in three rounds. The first round will commence at Ruiru Level 4 Hospital in Kiambu County, followed by subsequent rounds in September and October across the targeted counties.
Ms. Muriuki emphasized Kenya’s past struggle with wild poliovirus and the subsequent achievement of a decade of polio-free status.
The effort aligns with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and contributes to international progress toward Sustainable Development Goals.
She acknowledged that the battle against polio is a collective mission and extended gratitude to various partners, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Rotary International, Save the Children International, and others.
The PS reiterated that while Kenya has achieved significant milestones, vigilance is essential to prevent polio resurgence, especially considering the risk of international spread.
The collaborative effort involves stakeholders such as the media, government ministries, NGOs, and community leaders.
