TEN high risk counties will be targetted in the second round of vaccination after the Polio disease was detected in Garissa.
Health Principal Secretary Ms Mary Muthoni said the Ministry of Health and partners will launch the second round of the Polio see vaccination campaign, running from October 7th to October 11th this year.
She said the vital initiative is aimed at safeguarding the health of 3,119,158 children under the age of 5 across 10 high-risk counties, including Mandera, Wajir, Tana River, Lamu, Kitui, Machakos, Kiambu, Kadiado, and Nairobi.
Muthoni said effort comes in response to the detection of the virus in Garissa County earlier this year.
“The first round of vaccinations in August achieved an impressive 104.2% coverage rate across four counties. Now, recognizing the gravity of the situation, we are expanding the campaign to include children under 15 years old, given the recent case detected in a 7-year-old child,” she said.
The PS urged parents to ensure their children receive the recommended vaccination doses.
She also asked the public to report any suspected cases of Polio among children under 15.
“This battle against Polio can only be won through collective determination and collaboration,” she said.
The PS thanked the partners among them the World Health Organization, UNICEF, UNHCR, IOM, USAID, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary International, CORE group, Kenya Red Cross, CDC, and numerous other supporters for their unwavering commitment.
She also appreciated the contributions of County Governments, government ministries, local NGOs, faith-based organizations, community and religious leaders, teachers, and the media, who she said play pivotal roles in ensuring that every child receives the safe and effective vaccines they deserve.
“Together, we can protect our children and build a healthier future for our nation,” she concluded.
