The government has launched a mass polio immunization campaign targeting children under the age of 11 in response to a recent outbreak in Ethiopia.
In a statement on Friday, February 21, Public Health PS Mary Muthoni said the outbreak, which was confirmed in October 2024, has raised concerns about potential spread due to unreported cases.
Muthoni noted that the Ministry of Health conducted the first phase of the campaign in December 2024 in Marsabit County, and a second phase is set to take place from February 21 to 25, 2025, expanding to Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera Counties.
"To respond to the outbreak, a mass polio immunization campaign was conducted in December 2024 in Marsabit County, targeting children under 11 years of age due to low immunization coverage in that area. A subsequent immunization campaign will be held from 21st to 25th February 2025 in Marsabit County, as well as the surrounding Counties of Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera.
"The campaign will target children under 11 years of age in Marsabit County (target population: 176,949 children) and children aged under 5 years in the Counties of Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera (target population: 651,252 children)," the statement read in part.
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Muthoni further stated that the Ministry has planned a third phase in April 2025, to provide at least two doses of oral polio vaccine to all children regardless of their previous immunization status.
"The aim of such mass campaigns is to interrupt the circulation of poliovirus by immunizing every child within the most susceptible age groups with at least two doses of oral polio vaccine, regardless of previous immunization status.
"Transmission is thus achieved by protecting every child against polio at the same time during the campaign, including children who are either not immunized, only partially protected, or to boost immunity in those who have already been immunized," the statement added.
Additionally, Muthoni said Kenya is working with Ethiopia and Somalia to further curb transmission given the high movement of people across borders.
"Further, to interrupt transmission of disease more effectively, synchronization of immunization activities with the neighboring countries of Ethiopia and Somalia will be done during the campaign due to high cross-border movement of communities in the region. The immunization campaign held in December 2024 in Marsabit County was also successfully synchronized with our neighboring countries," the statement further read.
As the vaccination drive kicks off, PS Mary Muthoni has urged parents to have their children vaccinated regardless of their previous immunization status.
"During the next five days of the immunization campaign, the Ministry urges all parents and care-givers to ensure that their children who fall within the targeted age groups are presented for vaccination, regardless of whether they have received polio vaccination in the past.
"We want to reassure the public that all vaccines used in the country are safe, effective, and have undergone rigorous testing. Receiving multiple doses of the polio vaccine will not harm your child, but will provide additional immunity to your child against the disease," the statement read.
