The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Kenya is gearing up for a significant public health initiative as it prepares to launch a five-day Polio vaccination campaign from October 2 to October 6, 2024. This campaign aims to enhance population immunity among children in response to a recent outbreak of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2) that has raised concerns among health officials.
During a press briefing held on Monday, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, emphasized the importance of this campaign in safeguarding the health of children across the nation. The outbreak was first identified in four children residing in the Kakuma Refugee Camp located in Turkana County, prompting the urgent need for vaccination.
In addition to the confirmed cases in Kakuma, health authorities have detected a polio-type 2-positive sewage sample in Kamukunji Sub-County. This finding has heightened the Ministry’s surveillance efforts and underscored the critical need for immediate action to prevent further spread of the virus.
The vaccination campaign will be a collaborative effort involving County Governments, with the goal of reaching approximately 3,843,275 children. This includes 2,021,663 children under the age of 10 in regions such as Busia, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, and Turkana. Additionally, the campaign will target 1,821,612 children under the age of five in selected areas of Nairobi, Machakos, Kiambu, and Kajiado counties.
Mary Muthoni urged parents and caregivers in the targeted areas to ensure their children receive the vaccination, highlighting the critical role of community participation in public health initiatives. “All high-risk counties have been alerted to remain vigilant, particularly those in Western Kenya, due to the detection of type 2 polio in the Bio district of Uganda, which borders Bungoma County,” she stated.
The first phase of the vaccination drive will administer a total of 4.1 million doses, with a second round planned for 2025 that aims to roll out 14.6 million doses. This strategic approach underscores the Ministry’s commitment to eradicating polio and protecting the health of the younger population.
As the campaign approaches, health officials are calling on the community to rally together in support of this initiative. The importance of immunization cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in preventing the resurgence of polio and ensuring the safety and well-being of children in Kenya.
With the threat of polio lingering, the Ministry of Health is taking proactive measures to bolster vaccination efforts and safeguard the future of public health in the country. The upcoming campaign represents a vital step in the ongoing battle against vaccine-preventable diseases, and the Ministry is determined to achieve its vaccination targets for the benefit of all children.
