Nominated MP Harold Kipchumba has been named the winner of the Distinguished Polio Advocacy Award in recognition of his work in polio eradication and the rights of persons with disabilities.
The Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy (RCWDA) announced the award on Wednesday, October 14, ahead of World Polio Day, which is marked annually on October 24.
Kipchumba, who represents persons with disabilities in the National Assembly, is a polio survivor. He contracted the disease when he was about three or four years old, leaving him with permanent paralysis of his lower limbs.
His experience with the disease has shaped his work in advocating for people living with disabilities and supporting efforts to protect children from polio.
According to the club, the award recognises his commitment to polio eradication, disability rights and the inclusion of marginalised communities.
At the community level, Kipchumba supports immunisation campaigns through county immunisation champions who educate families about vaccination, strengthen disease surveillance and encourage parents to take part in door-to-door vaccination drives, particularly in high-risk areas.
He also advocates for the inclusion of children with disabilities, calling on families to support them and ensuring their needs are considered in wider efforts to improve access to healthcare.
He has been involved in collaborations with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF Kenya, and World Health Organisation (WHO) for polio vaccination campaigns.
Presentation of the award will take place on October 24 on World Polio Day. World Polio Day draws global attention towards elimination of polio and keeping children safe from the disease.
Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy is an international Rotary e-club that concentrates on disability rights, dignity, and inclusion. It aims to ensure that persons with disabilities can be heard on issues pertaining to their well-being.
Charters by Rotary International on June 24, 2021, this club has more than 75 members hailing from over 30 countries on six continents of the world. The areas of focus of this club include education, employment, health care, and human rights of persons with disabilities.
Some other persons who will receive awards along with Kipchumba are Professor Michael Kossove from the USA who is a public health educator and medical microbiologist.
Dr Carles Fontcuberta Sarrau from Spain will also be honoured for his clinical advocacy, medical research and publications on the needs of ageing polio survivors.
Kipchumba’s recognition comes as global health organisations continue working towards the eradication of polio, with vaccination and community awareness remaining important parts of the effort to protect children from the disease.
