The Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced plans to conduct an emergency polio vaccination campaign in nine high-risk counties following the detection of polio cases in Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kamukunji, Nairobi County.
The vaccination drive, which is set to run from October 2 to October 6, 2024, aims to curb the spread of the disease after four polio cases were reported in Kakuma and another event was identified in Kamukunji.
These outbreaks have raised concerns, prompting immediate action from the government.
In a statement shared on Monday, September 30, 2024, the Ministry of Health emphasized the need for swift intervention to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, who are most at risk of contracting the highly contagious disease.
“The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Council of Governors and development partners, will conduct a polio vaccination campaign in nine risk counties from 2-6 October 2024 following the detection of four cases in Kakuma Refugee Camp and an event in Kamukunji, Nairobi,” MOH stated.
Turkana is ready
On September 24, 2024, Turkana County began preparations for a mass polio the vaccination campaign targeting all children aged 10 and below. The campaign follows the detection of a polio case in Kakuma, Turkana West, on July 19, 2024, which led the National Ministry of Health to declare an outbreak. Since then, three more cases have been confirmed from 21 samples tested.
The county aims to vaccinate 424,574 children, to surpass 95% coverage. A total of 783 teams, each consisting of a vaccinator and a community health promoter, will be deployed across the region, including refugee camps in Kakuma and Kalobeyei.
“A total of 783 vaccinating teams, comprising a vaccinator and volunteer (community health promoter), will be deployed across the entire county, including the Kakuma Refugee camp and Kalobeyei Settlement schemes,” a statement by Turkana County government read in part.
During a three-day training for health teams, Director of Preventive and Promotive Health Alfred Emanman emphasized the importance of reaching 100% of the target population.
“For the sub-county health management teams, when cascading the training, ensure you pass the correct information to the vaccination teams,” he said.
World Health Organization’s David Rotich praised the county’s surveillance efforts but noted gaps in routine immunization. He urged for improved immunization practices and enhanced training for vaccination teams.
Key partners in the campaign include WHO Kenya, UNICEF Kenya, the Kenya Red Cross, Core Group Partners’ Project, and the International Rescue Committee. A second vaccination round is planned for November 2, to October 6.
