The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended Kenya’s government for a successful polio vaccination campaign that saw over 920,000 children immunized against the disease. The campaign, which took place in February 2025, was conducted in high-risk counties, particularly in the northeastern regions of Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, and Garissa.
Additionally, approximately 17,000 children in border areas benefited from the vaccination drive. The effort was a crucial step in preventing the spread of poliovirus, particularly following reports of polio cases near the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
According to the Ministry of Health, the campaign was part of the second phase of mass polio vaccination in high-risk counties. It ran from February 21 to 25, 2025, in response to concerns raised after an outbreak of type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) was confirmed in Ethiopia in October 2024. The case was detected just 15 kilometers from the Kenyan border in Moyale, prompting urgent intervention by health authorities.
“In October 2024, there was an outbreak of polio in Ethiopia, following the confirmation of one case of type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) fifteen kilometers from the Kenyan border in Moyale,” stated Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni. She emphasized that a single confirmed case of polio suggests that more than 200 unreported cases may exist, highlighting the critical need for enhanced surveillance and swift public health responses.
The success of the campaign was largely attributed to cross-border cooperation and the use of real-time data tracking, allowing for efficient monitoring and targeted immunization efforts. A previous polio vaccination campaign had also been conducted in December 2024, coordinated with neighboring countries to curb the virus’s spread.
Polio, a highly contagious viral disease, primarily affects children under the age of five. It spreads through person-to-person contact, especially via the fecal-oral route or through contaminated food and water. While most polio cases are asymptomatic or present mild symptoms such as fever and sore throat, severe cases can lead to paralysis.
The next phase of Kenya’s polio vaccination campaign is scheduled for April 2025, continuing efforts to protect children and prevent further outbreaks. Health officials encourage parents to ensure their children receive the polio vaccine, reinforcing the country’s commitment to eradicating the disease.
