Although polio campaign has kicked off in Ijara Sub County health officials are worried that they may not meet their target of reaching 11,571 children as some parents are hiding their children aged below five years.
Chairing a stakeholders meeting in Masalani sub county, Ijara Sub County Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Abdinasir Mohammed said despite the challenge, the sub county was determined to reach all eligible children during the five day exercise.
Dr. Nasir said polio virus were detected in Somalia and Ethiopia and 11 counties bordering this regions were targeted for immunization.
He called upon stakeholders like imams, teachers, political leaders to publicise the campaign which kicked off on Friday, July 12 until July 18.
However, Dr. Nasir appealed to the residents to bring their children under five for them to meet the target.
The Ijara Sub County Police Commander (SCPC), Fredrick Shiundu assured of the security of health workers during polio immunization campaign.
He also appealed to residents to work closely with the security machinery in order to clear Al shabab menace during the immunization period.
The SCPC said the government is ready to provide security to the residents and health workers.
He called upon parents to come out in large number to ensure that the polio exercise takes off without hindrance.
The meeting was attended by sheikhs, imams, local elders, chiefs and Sub County Children Officer Mrs. Wambui Mburu among others.
By Dahir Muhamed
