GARISSA: A five-day mass polio vaccination campaign commenced in Garissa County, aiming to vaccinate over 300,000 children. The initiative, which will continue until April 16th, spans across all seven sub-counties of Garissa, with a primary focus on children in the expansive Dadaab refugee camps.
According to Kenya News Agency, the vaccines will be dispensed at government medical facilities and through door-to-door visits. The campaign aims to ensure comprehensive coverage, which is also being conducted concurrently in Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit counties, and neighboring regions in Ethiopia and Somalia. Polio, being a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis and even death, has no cure, making vaccination the most effective prevention method. This campaign is a response to recent polio cases reported along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
During the launch event at a hotel in Garissa, Acting Director of Health Abdullahi Daud urged religious leaders, media, and other stakeholders to mobilize public participation, emphasizing the vaccine's safety and effectiveness. He highlighted the campaign's goals to reduce new cases, halt transmission, and curb the spread of polio. Daud appealed to stakeholders to use their platforms to dispel myths about the vaccine and reassure the public of its safety. He also encouraged parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive the vaccine, even if they have previously been dosed.
Garissa Deputy County Commissioner Duncan Rono committed to working closely with local administrators to ensure the campaign's success. Sheikh Hassan Abdi from SUPKEM emphasized the campaign's importance, urging full coverage, particularly in rural areas where settlements are scattered. He called for sufficient personnel deployment to tackle challenges in these regions, stressing the significance of vaccination in preventing irreversible disabilities.
Aden Hassan Bille, chairman for Persons with Disabilities in Garissa County, reiterated his organization's commitment to advocating for disability-inclusive healthcare. He stressed the importance of protecting future generations from polio and fostering a more inclusive society.
The launch event was attended by representatives from the Department of Education, Children's Department, SUPKEM, Garissa Pastors Forum, youth and women leaders, civil society, and the local media.