In response to the detection of six polio virus cases among children at Hagadera Refugee camp in Garissa County, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has launched a comprehensive five-day polio vaccination campaign in Kiambu County.
The campaign, which began on Thursday, will extend across all public health facilities, aiming to prevent the spread of this debilitating disease.
The Kenya Medical and Research Institute’s revelation of the polio virus cases prompted this swift and determined effort to curb its impact. Cabinet Health Secretary Ms. Susan Nakhumicha conveyed the government’s commitment to partnering with key stakeholders to safeguard children’s well-being and eliminate the threat of polio.
Speaking from Ruiru Level 4 Hospital during the campaign’s launch, Secretary Nakhumicha underscored the urgency of addressing this health crisis. “Polio is a debilitating disease that causes paralysis and fatalities and therefore poses a significant public health concern,” she stated. She highlighted the critical importance of swift action to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 polio outbreak that led to fatalities and paralysis.
With a firm assurance of the vaccines’ safety and efficacy, the Health Secretary urged parents, guardians, caregivers, and communities to actively participate in the vaccination campaign. Nakhumicha emphasized that the government had made substantial progress in managing the virus, but sustained vigilance was necessary to prevent further cases.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, present at the event, reiterated the importance of protecting the next generation from the threat of polio. He commended the cooperative efforts of the County government, the Ministry of Health, and dedicated healthcare professionals in organizing the vaccination campaign, which aimed to reach every child, irrespective of their circumstances.
Governor Wamatangi encouraged parents and guardians to seize this opportunity to vaccinate their children, highlighting that straightforward vaccination measures could eliminate the virus. He urged swift action before the designated vaccination days conclude.
The polio vaccination campaign will be conducted in three rounds. The initial round focuses on the four high-risk counties, starting with Garissa, Kiambu, Nairobi, and Kajiado. With over 1.8 million children under the age of five targeted, the five-day campaign will conclude on Monday, August 28, 2023.
Subsequent rounds, set for September and October 2023, will encompass over 5.6 million children in the four high-risk counties and an additional six counties: Lamu, Tana River, Wajir, Mandera, Kitui, and Machakos. This comprehensive effort underscores Kenya’s dedication to protecting its children and eradicating the threat of polio.
