The government has earmarked 3,843,275 million children to be vaccinated against polio in nine high risk Counties in Kenya.
Ministry of Health and Sanitation in collaboration with UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO), Kenya Red Cross and Rotary Clubs among others has launched polio vaccination in the risk counties.
Speaking at Lwakhakha Centre on the border between Kenya and Uganda in Cheptais Sub County of Bungoma County during the official launch of the polio vaccination drive, Deputy Director General for Health, State Department of Public Health Dr.Sultani Matendechero stated that the Ministry aims to vaccinate the 3 million-plus million children with 221,663 being under 10 years.
Dr. Matendechero who was representing the Principal Secretary for Public Health Ms. Mary Muthoni, noted that there was a need for vaccination while calling upon parents to avail their children for the vaccination drive.
He noted that the five-day on going vaccination will include Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu, Bungoma, Busia, Trans Nzoia and Turkana.
The Public Health Deputy Director confirmed that the vaccines were rolled out after five cases were reported at Kakuma refugee camp in Turkana while one case from an environmental surveillance was detected in Nairobi which is very dangerous for us as a Country.
He further noted that the launch of the programme at Lwakhakha border targets to enhance surveillance for cross border communities after one case was detected in Mbale Town, in Uganda.
Bungoma County Health and Sanitation County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Carolyne Makali lauded the national government for the vaccination drive.
Makali confirmed that 769,694 children under 10 years in Bungoma County are set to receive Polio dozes.
She called upon area residents to avail their children to be vaccinated across the county.
The CECM called upon all residents to bring out their children so that the dose can be administered to them during the five-day exercise.
“As a county we have been privileged to host this event and we must turn out in large numbers to make the Program a success,” said Makali.
Meanwhile Mrs Makali called on residents to turn up in large numbers and enroll into the Social Health Authority (SHA) and Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to be able to access medication in any health facility in the County.
Other officials who attended include Public Service and Management CECM Agnes Wachie, Director Health and Sanitation Dr Caleb Watta and other health workers.
By Douglas Mudambo
