NAIROBI, KENYA, JAN 28 – The Ministry of Health has kicked off the third round of the polio vaccination campaign in Mandera, Garissa, and Wajir counties.
This campaign represents the third and final round of the polio vaccination program, which was launched last year by the Ministry of Health, targeting 10 counties across the country. It commenced on January 27 and will conclude on January 31, covering a five-day period.
During this campaign, children under the age of 5 in Mandera, Garissa, and Wajir counties will receive the polio vaccine. However, for children residing in refugee camps in Dadaab and Fafi sub-counties, the vaccination program will be extended to include those under the age of 15.
In August 2023, the government launched the National Polio Vaccination Drive, aiming to reach 7.4 million children and prevent the resurgence of polio in the country. This initiative was undertaken in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Kenya, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other health partners, with a budget allocated on a dollar-per-child basis.
The campaign initially targeted Nairobi, Kiambu, Garissa, Kajiado, Tana River, Wajir, Mandera, Machakos, Lamu, Kajiado, and Kitui counties. The campaign reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of Kenya’s young population.
Health Ministry’s Director-General Patrick Amoth highlighted that out of the 1.5 million children born annually in Kenya, only 3 percent are not vaccinated. He emphasized that the vaccination campaign is grounded in available science and technology, ensuring the well-being of Kenyan children.
Mary Muthoni, the Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary, acknowledged the crucial role immunization plays in Kenya’s public health strategy. She emphasized the ministry’s unwavering commitment to the fight against polio, especially in protecting children under the age of five through vaccination.
