Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards in the Ministry of health Mary Muthoni Muriuki during a polio media briefing at Weston hotel in Nairobi
The Ministry of Health is set to launch a critical five-day supplementary polio vaccination campaign from October 2 to October 6, 2024, in response to the detection of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2).
This outbreak has led to five confirmed cases at the Kakuma Refugee Camp and in Kamukunji, Nairobi. Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni emphasized the urgency of this initiative, which aims to immunize approximately 3.8 million children under the age of ten in nine high-risk counties.
During a media briefing, PS Muthoni urged parents and caregivers to participate fully in the campaign, highlighting the necessity of protecting children from this preventable disease. The targeted counties include Nairobi, Kiambu, Busia, Bungoma, Turkana, West Pokot, Marsabit, Trans Nzoia, and Machakos, areas particularly vulnerable to polio transmission due to low vaccination coverage and recent environmental surveillance findings.
Despite the World Health Organization’s (WHO) African region being declared polio-free in 2020, Kenya has reported alarming cases this year, including four children from Kakuma and a positive sewage sample from Kamukunji. This situation is compounded by the fact that 16 countries globally have reported cases of cVDPV2, with the majority in Africa, stressing the need for swift action.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry has activated Public Health Emergency Operations Centers and initiated enhanced surveillance efforts, including active case searches. Investigations revealed inadequate routine immunization coverage in host communities and among new arrivals at Kakuma, primarily affecting children aged 0-5 years. Congestion in reception centers has worsened sanitation conditions, further elevating health risks.
The upcoming campaign aims to administer the polio vaccine to 3,843,275 children, with a focus on areas with the highest incidence of cases. In Nairobi, the campaign will cover all children under five, while specific sub-counties in Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado will also participate. Muthoni reassured parents that polio vaccines are safe and effective, noting that multiple doses pose no harm.
PS Mary Muthoni at Weston hotel giving hope to polio victims on Monday 30
Community engagement is a vital component of the campaign, with efforts underway to involve social media influencers and local communities in disseminating information about the importance of vaccination. The Ministry encourages all families in the targeted areas to ensure their children receive the lifesaving vaccine.
In addition to the polio vaccination efforts, Muthoni addressed the ongoing mpox outbreak, which has confirmed eight cases. She stressed the importance of hygiene and avoiding physical contact with symptomatic individuals as measures to prevent further transmission. The government is working to secure mpox vaccines, particularly for at-risk populations, and urged the public to rely on verified information from trusted sources.
As the campaign aligns with the rollout of the Social Health Authority, Muthoni expressed optimism about sustainable financing for vaccination programs. She called on Kenyans to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund, emphasizing that equitable healthcare access is a priority.
The Ministry of Health expressed gratitude to partners such as WHO, UNICEF, US CDC, Kenya Red Cross and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their support. Muthoni acknowledged the collective efforts of parents, caregivers, community leaders, and healthcare providers in ensuring immunization and timely reporting of disease cases.
The polio vaccination campaign is a vital step in safeguarding Kenya’s children against preventable diseases and maintaining public health standards in the face of emerging outbreaks.