Health stakeholders in West Pokot County have outlined key strategies to raise child immunisation rates, tackle vaccine hesitancy, and improve healthcare access, especially in remote areas.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Kapenguria, Deputy Director of Nursing Josephine Arusio highlighted the need for expanded outreach through mobile clinics and community health teams.
“We’re leveraging digital tools to track immunisation, manage outreach, and raise public awareness,” she said.
Currently, the county’s immunisation coverage stands at 55%, well below the national average of 80%. Arusio stressed the urgency of reaching “zero-dose” children—those who’ve never received any vaccine—and preventing diseases like polio and TB.
The meeting, supported by PATH, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, NGOs, private hospitals, education sector, community leaders, and media to identify barriers to full immunisation and work towards 100% coverage.
County Immunisation Coordinator Richard Chemaringo assured the public of vaccine safety, availability, and accessibility: “All vaccines are WHO-approved, free, and reach even the most remote areas.”
Selly Chepkiror of Maendeleo ya Wanawake urged leaders to prioritize health funding and support Community Health Volunteers, while calling on religious leaders to help dispel myths around vaccination.
Philip Wapopla, County Director of Children Services, emphasized that immunisation is a child rights issue, warning against harmful cultural beliefs and misinformation—particularly false claims linking the HPV vaccine to birth control.
