Lodwar – 30th September 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations) 

Turkana County, through the Department of Health and Sanitation, is set to kick off its polio vaccination campaign targeting over 424,574 children under 10 years. 

During a courtesy call by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF teams, it was confirmed that Turkana County is ready for the polio campaign that will be launched on October 2nd, 2024 and will run for five days;  until the 6th. 

The vaccination campaign will also cover West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Busia, Kajiado, Kiambu, Nairobi, and Machakos counties. Training is currently ongoing to equip stakeholders participating in the exercise.

While chairing the courtesy call, Cathra Abdi urged the WHO team to intensify cross-border surveillance and strengthen outbreak response. 

“We need to enhance cross-border surveillance and ensure prompt responses to any potential outbreaks. I also encourage the integration of the One Health approach to better address these health challenges,” she said.

Leading the WHO delegation, Dr David Rotich, acknowledged the efforts made by the county but highlighted challenges in routine vaccination due to factors such as the county’s vastness, infrastructure limitations, and maintaining cold chain systems. 

Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about the campaign’s success and its goal of reaching every eligible child.

Present at the courtesy call were the WHO team, UNICEF team, and a host of directors from the county’s health department.