A recent polio vaccination campaign has successfully immunized over 920,000 children in Kenya, focusing on high-risk regions in the northeastern part of the country. The initiative targeted counties such as Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, and Garissa, areas considered highly prone to the disease. Additionally, 17,000 children in border areas also received the vaccine, strengthening efforts to prevent the spread of polio.
The campaign was part of the second phase of mass polio vaccination and took place between February 21 and 25, 2025. Authorities relied on cross-border collaborations and real-time data tracking to ensure efficiency in reaching vulnerable populations. The initiative followed reports of a polio outbreak near the Kenya-Ethiopia border, prompting swift action to curb potential transmission.
In October 2024, a case of type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) was confirmed in Ethiopia, approximately 15 kilometers from the Kenyan border in Moyale. Given that a single confirmed case of polio can indicate the existence of more than 200 undetected cases, health authorities intensified surveillance and vaccination efforts.
The campaign aimed to address the heightened risk posed by the outbreak, ensuring that as many children as possible were protected. A previous vaccination exercise had been carried out in December 2024, in coordination with neighboring countries. Another round of vaccinations is scheduled for April 2025 to maintain high immunity levels among children in affected areas.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects children under five years old. It spreads mainly through person-to-person contact, particularly via the fecal-oral route, and can also be transmitted through contaminated food and water. Most polio cases are asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms such as fever and sore throat. However, in severe cases, symptoms can escalate to include headaches, neck stiffness, and paresthesia. The disease can cause paralysis and, in some instances, be fatal.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent polio. Global efforts have significantly reduced the prevalence of the disease, but outbreaks still occur, particularly in areas with low immunization coverage. Kenya’s recent campaign demonstrates a strong commitment to eradicating polio and protecting children from its debilitating effects.
