Third Round of Polio Vaccination Ongoing in Northern Kenya

By Samuel Ouma

Through the Ministry of Health, the Kenyan government is Conducting the third round of Polio vaccination in the Northern part of the country, which is considered high-risk.

The campaign targets 3 counties, namely Wajir, Mandera and Garissa.

It is spearheaded by Susan Nakhumicha-led ministry in partnership with the county governments and other partners.

The vaccination campaign that kicked off on January 27 targets 755,011 children under 5 years and an additional 238,447 children aged between 5 and 15 years.

Health Principal Secretary Mary Muriuki blamed the recent polio outbreak in the country on the virus being brought in from neighbouring countries and insufficient routine vaccinations in various areas.

“The current polio outbreak is attributed to importation from a neighboring country and suboptimal routine immunization coverages in several counties, putting all children at risk of polio disease," said PS Muriuki.

Parents and caregivers have been urged to ensure that children under five have received all their vaccinations as scheduled.

Furthermore, parents and the general public are asked to report any child under 15 who exhibits sudden onset weakness in the hands, legs, or both to the nearest healthcare facility.

The vaccination was scheduled for November 2023 but was postponed due to heavy rainfall in the three counties.