Publication date: January 28, 2024 01:45 (EAT)
Mary Muriuki, Principal Secretary for Health; | Photo: Mo
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced the implementation of the third polio vaccination campaign targeting Mandera, Wajir and Garissa counties.
Following the recent outbreak, the Department of Health will continue to work with county governments and other partners to prevent further infections.
“The current polio epidemic is caused by imports from neighboring countries and suboptimal routine immunization coverage in some counties, putting all children at risk of polio disease.” said. Health Principal Secretary Mary Muriuki said in a statement on Saturday.
Vaccinations were planned for November 2023, but were postponed due to heavy rains in three counties.
The campaign is therefore scheduled to start from January 27 to January 31, 2024, targeting 755,011 children under the age of 5 in all refugee camps in Fafi and Dadaab counties and Garissa, as well as 755,011 children between the ages of 5 and 15. The target population is 238,447 children up to the age of 10.
PS Muriuki added that the campaign is targeting three counties that have been identified as high risk.
The Ministry of Health called on parents and caregivers to include their children in vaccination teams during the campaign to ensure that the vaccines distributed are safe and effective.
Additionally, parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure that children under the age of 5 are up to date on immunizations.
The public and their parents are advised to report any child under the age of 15 who exhibits sudden weakness in the arms, legs, or both to the nearest health facility.
“Additionally, the public is reminded that polio disease is spread through the fecal-oral route. Therefore, it is important to use toilets to properly dispose of human waste and practice good hand hygiene measures.” said Muriuki.
Reports can be made through the hotline 0729471414 or 0732353535.
