The Mandera County Department of Health has launched a five-day polio vaccination campaign aimed at boosting immunity among children and preventing potential outbreaks of the virus.
The exercise, which runs from February 21 to 25, 2025, targets over 200,000 children under the age of five across the county.
Health officials have deployed teams of vaccinators to conduct house-to-house immunisation, as well as reach children at cross-border points, markets and health facilities.
The County Chief Officer for Public Health, Mukhtar Issack, urged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive the polio jab.
Issack also added that the county is committed to ensuring that every child under five in Mandera gets vaccinated.
“I urge all parents to bring their children out for the immunisation,” he appealed.
Mandera East Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Meso has urged all residents to ensure their children have access to quality healthcare services in the county.
“I call upon every parent and guardian to prioritise their children’s health. It is our responsibility to ensure they receive quality medical care and essential vaccinations,” said Meso.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services and encouraged residents to take full advantage of available health programmes.
As part of efforts to enhance cross-border collaboration, the Kenyan health team held a synchronisation meeting with Ethiopian health officials, aligning vaccination efforts to prevent cross-border transmission of the virus.
This coordination ensures that children in both countries, particularly in border communities, receive immunisation, reducing the risk of polio spread.
Healthcare workers and community mobilisers will be leading the campaign, ensuring no child is left behind in the fight against polio.
By Adan Mohamed
