Mandera County has officially launched a five-day polio vaccination campaign to enhance immunity among children and curb the risk of potential outbreaks. The initiative, which runs from February 21 to 25, 2025, aims to immunize over 200,000 children under the age of five across the county.
The campaign, spearheaded by the Mandera County Department of Health, involves a strategic deployment of health officials to ensure maximum coverage. Vaccination teams have been dispatched for house-to-house immunization, as well as stationed at key locations such as cross-border points, markets, and health facilities. The door-to-door approach is designed to reach children who might not otherwise visit healthcare centers, ensuring no child is left unprotected.
Mandera County Chief Officer for Public Health, Mukhtar Isaack, emphasized the importance of the campaign and urged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive the polio jab. “I urge all parents to bring their children out for the immunization. The county is committed to ensuring that every child under five in Mandera gets vaccinated,” he stated.
Given Mandera’s proximity to Ethiopia and Somalia, where polio remains a health concern, cross-border collaboration has been a key component of this initiative. The Kenyan health team recently held a synchronization meeting with Ethiopian health officials to align their vaccination efforts, aiming to prevent cross-border transmission of the virus. This coordination ensures that children in both countries, particularly in border communities, receive immunization, thereby reducing the risk of polio resurgence.
Healthcare workers and community mobilizers are playing a crucial role in driving the campaign forward. Their efforts include raising awareness, dispelling misinformation, and ensuring that every eligible child receives the vaccine. By engaging community leaders and leveraging local networks, the campaign seeks to foster trust and encourage higher participation.
Polio remains a significant public health threat, particularly in regions with low immunization coverage. While Kenya has made strides in eradicating the virus, constant vigilance is necessary to prevent its re-emergence. The Mandera County polio vaccination campaign aligns with the national and global push to achieve a polio-free world.
As the five-day campaign progresses, health officials remain optimistic that the outreach efforts will yield positive results, safeguarding the health and future of children in Mandera County. Authorities continue to call on all parents and caregivers to cooperate fully and ensure their children receive this life-saving vaccine.
