Tana River, , 2023 – The fight against cholera just got a crucial boost with the launch of the Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaign by the Ministry of Health. The campaign aims to protect 2.2 million individuals in Nairobi, Wajir, Tana River, Garissa, and the Dadaab refugee camps from the current cholera outbreak. This step marks a significant milestone in the government’s comprehensive response to the outbreak and highlights the importance of vaccines as a tool to protect individuals and communities.
Dr. Francis Kuria, Director Public Health represented the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Nakhumicha S. Wafula, at the launch event in Kadogo, Tana River County. In her speech, the Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the vaccine alone will not control the disease, but it will play a crucial role in reducing the number of cholera cases. She also stressed the need for all to work together to promote sustainable prevention and control measures, including water, sanitation, and hygiene practices, to tackle the root cause of the disease.
The Ministry of Health has received support from various partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, US-CDC, and many others, to bring the current outbreak under control and prevent future outbreaks. The government’s approach is comprehensive and involves a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to tackle the disease.
“The vaccine to be used is safe, and I encourage all eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves and their communities,” said the Cabinet Secretary. The Ministry, in collaboration with other line ministries, affected counties, and health stakeholders, has taken numerous measures to prevent the spread of the illness, including heightened surveillance, provision of cholera supplies, and Water and Sanitation (WASH) supplies, and an emergency alert to all counties.
During the vaccination campaign, teams will be moving from house to house, providing the vaccine to those who are eligible. “The Ministry of Health is calling on all citizens to play their part in controlling and preventing the spread of cholera by promoting water, sanitation, and hygiene practices in their communities,” said the CS.
She noted that the Ministry is aware of the limited resources at the national and county levels to effectively respond to the outbreak and stressed the need for counties and partners to allocate resources, including finances, to contain the current and future outbreaks.
She emphasized that the fight against cholera requires the support of everyone, including the media, religious leaders and groups, health care providers, and the general public.
The Ministry of Health she added appreciates the support from all partners, including WHO, UNICEF, US-CDC, KRCS, IOM, Save the Children, USAID, CDC, Religious Leaders and Groups, the Media, Health Care Providers, and the General Public. Let’s work together to create a safer and healthier future for all!
Join the movement by using the hashtags #CholeraVaccination #HealthForAll
#TogetherAgainstCholera on social media.
