Cabinet Secretary for Health Launches National Emergency Polio Vaccination Campaign

Ruiru, Kiambu County - 24 August 2023 - 
In a pivotal move to safeguard public health, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nakhumicha S. Wafula, spearheaded the National Emergency Polio Vaccination Campaign launch today in Ruiru Sub-County, Kiambu County. 

 

 The campaign's inauguration, conducted in collaboration with diverse stakeholders, marks a united effort to eliminate the threat of polio and ensure the well-being of our nation's children. Dignitaries including the Governor of Kiambu County, WHO and UNICEF Country Representatives, and key health sector stakeholders graced the event. 

 

Polio, a debilitating disease causing paralysis and fatalities, poses a significant public health concern. The Cabinet Secretary stressed the campaign's urgency, recalling the severe impact of past outbreaks, such as the tragic incident in Garissa County in 2013 which left 14 individuals paralyzed and claimed 2 lives. 

 

 The polio vaccination campaign will occur in 3 rounds: Round 1 will target 4 high-risk counties starting with Garissa, Kiambu, neighboring Nairobi, and Kajiado counties. This first round aims to reach over 1.8 million children under 5 years. The 5-day campaign, commencing today, will conclude on Monday, 28th August 2023.
Rounds 2 and 3 will be carried out in September and October 2023, targeting over 5.6 million children in these four counties and an additional six: Lamu, Tana River, Wajir, Mandera, Kitui, and Machakos. 

 

 Despite progress, recent cases have emerged, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance. The goal is to reach millions of children under 5 through meticulous door-to-door initiatives, ensuring no child remains unvaccinated. 

 

 The CS assured the public of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines used in the campaign, and issued a resounding call to action for parents, guardians, caregivers, and communities to actively participate in this crucial endeavor.