Kenya has successfully immunized over 920,000 children against polio in a vaccination campaign conducted in high-risk areas, particularly in the northeastern counties of Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, and Garissa. This significant effort, praised by the World Health Organization (WHO), also benefited an additional 17,000 children in border areas, demonstrating the country’s commitment to eradicating the disease. The vaccination exercise, which took place in February, was part of a broader strategy to prevent the spread of polio in Kenya, especially in regions prone to cross-border transmissions.
The Ministry of Health spearheaded the initiative, utilizing real-time data tracking and cross-border collaboration to ensure maximum coverage. The campaign was part of the second phase of a mass polio immunization program that ran from February 21 to 25, 2025. Health authorities launched the vaccination drive following concerns over reports of polio near the Kenya-Ethiopia border, prompting urgent measures to prevent further spread.
The decision to conduct the campaign was influenced by an outbreak in neighboring Ethiopia in October 2024. Authorities confirmed a case of type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) in Moyale, just 15 kilometers from the Kenyan border. This raised alarms within Kenya’s health sector, given that a single confirmed case of polio often indicates the presence of hundreds of undetected infections in the community. Health officials stressed the importance of enhanced surveillance and immediate public health interventions to contain any potential outbreaks.
The vaccination campaign was not the first of its kind, as Kenya had previously coordinated a similar initiative in December 2024 in collaboration with neighboring countries. These coordinated efforts are essential in ensuring that polio does not spread across borders, particularly in vulnerable communities where access to healthcare is limited. The next round of the immunization drive is scheduled for April, as authorities aim to sustain the momentum in eradicating the disease.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under the age of five. The virus spreads through person-to-person contact, mainly via the fecal-oral route, and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or water. Most polio infections are asymptomatic, but in severe cases, the virus can invade the nervous system, leading to paralysis or even death. Symptoms of the disease range from mild fever and sore throat to more severe manifestations such as neck stiffness, headache, and muscle weakness.
The successful vaccination of over 920,000 children is a major milestone in Kenya’s public health initiatives, reinforcing the country’s commitment to disease prevention and child welfare. Health officials continue to emphasize the importance of immunization, urging parents to ensure their children receive the necessary vaccines. With ongoing vaccination campaigns and enhanced surveillance, Kenya is making significant strides toward eliminating polio and safeguarding the health of future generations.
