Busia: At least 3,000 residents of Busia are set to be vaccinated against the Mpox virus, as announced by Busia Sub County Health Promotion Officer, Kennedy Oloo. This vaccination drive will target key groups such as truck drivers, sex workers, and community members interacting with them.
According to Kenya News Agency, the vaccination initiative will span 10 days starting Wednesday the 3rd, with healthcare workers positioned at strategic locations to ensure comprehensive coverage. Busia has recorded 68 Mpox cases, resulting in two fatalities. The vaccination will be distributed equally among Busia Sub County and Teso North Sub County, with 1,500 doses allocated to each area.
Oloo highlighted the engagement of various community representatives, including truck drivers, sex workers, religious leaders, boda boda riders, and local community leaders to sensitize the population on the importance of vaccination. Busia Sub County HIV Coordinator Joan Anyanga advised residents to adopt preventive measures like hand washing, using hand sanitizers, and wearing personal protective equipment to curb disease spread.
Anyanga pointed out Busia's vulnerability to Mpox due to interactions with long-distance truck drivers traveling from countries like Congo. These interactions, often involving business transactions and overnight stays in local hotels, contribute to higher infection rates. Ongoing surveillance and routine screening are being conducted at entry points, with Uganda recently initiating a similar vaccination effort.
Eunice Adhiambo, a human rights activist, encouraged eligible individuals to participate in the vaccination drive. She also urged health officials to ensure that local hotels adhere to hygiene standards to prevent virus transmission. Local resident Kevin Odulo called on the government to increase vaccine doses to enhance community protection.
The vaccination exercise is supported by UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the County Government of Busia. Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease that spreads through close human contact, characterized by rashes, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, and muscle aches. It can be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact, sexual activity, or respiratory particles.