The Ministry of Health has embarked on a five-day polio immunisation campaign in four counties in Northern Kenya. The campaign—which runs from February 21st to 25th—is being held in Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa and Mandera counties.
The initiative follows an outbreak of type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) in Ethiopia, 15 kilometres from the Kenyan border in Moyale.
The Public Health Permanent Secretary, Mary Muthoni, in a statement observed: “The campaign will target 176,949 children under 11 years of age in Marsabit County as well as 651,252 children aged under 5 years in Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera counties.”
Ms Muthoni added: “A subsequent round of polio immunisation campaign will take place in April 2025 in these four Counties, which have been found to be most at risk for disease transmission.”
The aim of such mass campaigns, the PS noted, is to interrupt circulation of poliovirus by immunising every child under within the most susceptible age groups with at least two doses of oral polio vaccine, regardless of previous immunisation status.
“Transmission is thus achieved by protecting every child against polio at the same time during the campaign, including children who are either not immunised, or only partially protected, and to boost immunity in those who have already been immunized,” Ms Muthoni added.
According to the PS, further, to interrupt transmission of disease more effectively, synchronisation of immunisation activities with the neighbouring countries of Ethiopia and Somalia will be done during the campaign due to high cross border movement of communities in the region.
At the same time, the immunisation campaign held in December 2024 in Marsabit County was also successfully synchronised with our neighbouring countries.
During the next five days of the immunisation campaign, the Ministry has urged all parents and care-givers to ensure that their children who fall within the targeted age groups are presented for vaccination, regardless of whether they have received polio vaccination in the past.
“We want to reassure the public that all vaccines used in the country are safe, effective, and have undergone rigorous testing… “Receiving multiple doses of the polio will not harm your child, but will provide additional immunity to your child against the disease,” Ms Muthoni assured.
As part of the Health ministry’s consolidated efforts to end polio in the country, members of the public are encouraged to ensure that all children under five years of age are up-to-date with all vaccinations as per the childhood immunisation schedule, including polio.
“Additionally, any suspected cases of polio should be reported to the nearest health facility, contact your community health promoter, or call the Ministry’s hotlines at 719, 0729 47 14 14, or 0732 35 35 35..
“Let us continue working together to address public health challenges and safeguard our communities,” the PS added. According to experts, poliomyelitis is a crippling viral disease caused by the polio virus.
It is characterised by acute flaccid paralysis, and can lead lifelong disability or even death in those infected. It is spread from person to person, and primarily affects children under the age of five years.
Polio presents with symptoms such as weakness in the arms or legs or abnormal postures, without a history of injury or trauma.
