County Governments Rally to Combat Polio in Kenya: Massive Vaccination Campaign Launched

Nairobi, Kenya - 7th October 2023 - County governments across Kenya, in collaboration with the national health partners, have initiated a comprehensive countywide polio vaccination campaign.

This vital campaign, launched to kick polio out of Kenya, is in solidarity against this debilitating disease. Running from Saturday, 7th October to Wednesday, 11th October 2023, its mission is to reach 3,119,158 children under 5 years of age across the counties. 

This campaign marks the second of the three planned vaccination rounds following the confirmation of a polio outbreak in Garissa County in June this year. The 5-day vaccination drive focuses on 10 high-risk counties: Mandera, Wajir, Tana River, Lamu, Kitui, Machakos, Kiambu, Kajiado, Nairobi, and Garissa. 

During the Nairobi County launch, Dr. Rose Jalango, Head of the National Vaccine and Immunization Program (NVIP), urged all vaccinators to go the extra mile and reach every household to ensure that all children under 5 are vaccinated during the ongoing campaign. She emphasized that these vaccines are crucial for the well-being of children. 

Additionally, parents were encouraged to ensure their children receive all other required vaccinations by taking them to vaccination centers, thereby protecting them against preventable diseases. Dr. David Rotich, representing the WHO Country Representative, reiterated the critical need to vaccinate all children under five in high-risk counties like Nairobi. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that children receive all eligible routine vaccines, as missing immunizations can pose significant risks to public health