Mandera County’s Department of Health has launched a critical five-day polio vaccination campaign, aimed at boosting immunity among children and safeguarding the region from potential outbreaks of the virus. The campaign, which runs from February 21 to 25, 2025, seeks to vaccinate over 200,000 children under the age of five across the county.
Health officials have mobilized a dedicated team of vaccinators to carry out house-to-house immunizations, ensuring that children are reached not only in homes but also at cross-border points, local markets, and health facilities.
Mukhtar Isaack, Mandera County’s Chief Officer for Public Health, has called on parents and guardians to ensure that their children receive the vital polio vaccine. He emphasized the county’s commitment to ensuring that every child under five is vaccinated, saying, “I urge all parents to bring their children out for the immunization. It is critical to protect our future generations from polio.”
In an effort to strengthen cross-border collaboration, health officials from Kenya and Ethiopia held a synchronization meeting to align vaccination efforts. This partnership ensures that children, especially those in border communities, receive the immunization they need to prevent the spread of polio between the two nations.
By coordinating vaccination campaigns across the border, both countries aim to reduce the risk of polio transmission and ensure that no child is left behind. Healthcare workers and community mobilizers are working tirelessly to spread awareness and encourage parents to participate in the campaign.
The coordinated efforts in Mandera County highlight the importance of immunization in preventing the resurgence of polio, a disease that remains a significant threat in some regions. The ongoing vaccination campaign is a vital step in ensuring that Kenya and its neighboring countries remain polio-free, safeguarding the health of children and communities across the region.
