By Hopkin Reporter
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has kicked off a countywide Polio immunization campaign. Chief Officer for Public Health and Sanitation Lynn Kitwan and her counterpart for Medical Services Dr. Benson Musyoka officiated the launch at the Kitui County Referral Hospital.
The campaign will run from Saturday 7th to Wednesday 11th October 2023 and targets all children under five years of age across Kitui.While assuring parents of the vaccine’s safety, CO Kitwan termed the innoculation exercise as a significant milestone in the fight against the incapacitating disease.
“We are committed to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our children. Polio is a disease that can pose lifelong consequences, but it is entirely preventable through vaccination. This campaign will ensure that every child in Kitui County is protected from polio.” She said the vaccine will be administered free of charge through door-to-door visits, at the various health centers and outreach clinics as well as places of worship to ensure maximum coverage.
On his part, Dr. Musyoka called on the residents to take advantage of the vaccination campaign which aligns with the Ministry’s efforts to champion preventive and promotive healthcare.”I urge our people to embrace this exercise because polio knows no boundaries, and it is our duty to protect our children from this dangerous disease.
“WHO Representative AbdiWahid Mohammed Noor said: “As we undertake this vaccination drive, let us also focus on strengthening Routine Immunization Services which is key to ensuring population immunity and prevention of the polio virus and preventable diseases.
“The launch event also featured live demonstrations of the vaccination process, showcasing its simplicity and safety. Health workers demonstrated how a single drop of the oral polio vaccine can provide lifetime immunity against the disease.
This Polio vaccination campaign is in response to a polio outbreak detected among children in refugee camps in Dadaab in late June 2023. The campaign has garnered support from various organizations and stakeholders, including WHO, UNICEF, and the Red Cross, which have also provided technical assistance.
