Lodwar, 12 November 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

Turkana County’s ongoing polio vaccination campaign has reached children in cross-border pastoralist communities, ensuring that no child is left behind.

The second round of the campaign, targeting over 500,000 children under 10 years old, has extended its reach to vulnerable populations along the borders of Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.

“Reaching these children reflects the health department’s commitment to ensure no child misses the polio vaccine,” said Daniel Esimit, the Deputy Director for Preventive Promotive Health.

The campaign comes in response to the recent confirmation of polio cases in Turkana, linked to outbreaks in Uganda and Nairobi. Vaccination teams have been deployed to remote areas, including Nyangatom, Nadapal, and Lokiriama.

The county health department plans to continue its efforts through routine immunization and a forthcoming big catch-up strategy.

The first round of the campaign, conducted in October, vaccinated over 400,000 children. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the National Ministry of Health, USAID Kenya, WHO Kenya, UNICEF Kenya, the Kenya Red Cross Society, International Rescue Committee, UNHCR Kenya, Rotary club, and the Core Group Partners’ Project.