Kenya and Uganda Achieve Milestone in Polio Vaccination Campaign

Kenya and Uganda conducted a synchronized polio vaccination campaign from October 3 to 6, 2024, successfully immunizing over 6.5 million children. In response to recent poliovirus detections, the two countries focused on high-risk areas, employing a door-to-door strategy. The initiative highlights the importance of regional cooperation in ensuring comprehensive vaccination coverage.

In a recent synchronized polio vaccination campaign held from October 3 to 6, 2024, Kenya and Uganda successfully immunized over 6.5 million children against polio. The initiative commenced with joint efforts in Bungoma District, Kenya, and Mbale District, Uganda, effectively targeting high-risk environments near their shared border. This collaborative endeavor was prompted by recent disconcerting poliovirus detections in both countries, underscoring the need for immediate action to safeguard vulnerable populations against this vaccine-preventable disease. Health workers utilized a door-to-door approach to ensure comprehensive coverage, with Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Uganda’s Director of Public Health, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in preventing paralysis and promoting a polio-free future. Coordinated strategies were employed not just nationally but regionally focusing on the 10 districts bordering both countries, covering an extensive 772 kilometers. The urgency of the situation was highlighted by Dr. Charles Njuguna, World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Uganda, who warned of the rapid spread of the virus within the East African region, particularly affecting children under five. This joint campaign leverages micro-planning to track movements across borders and ensures no child is overlooked, reflecting a commitment to addressing immunization gaps prevalent in both nations. Charles Korir, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative Coordinator in Kenya, affirmed the necessity of synchronized vaccination efforts amidst the ongoing polio outbreak fueled by population movements, declaring the efforts by both governments as a commendable strategy supported by GPEI partnerships. Recognizing the borderless nature of polio, this initiative demonstrates the critical need for collaborative health strategies in reducing the risk of infection among transient populations residing near borders. The success of Kenya and Uganda’s campaign may serve as a model for other nations striving for similar public health milestones, advancing towards a polio-free world.

Polio remains a significant public health threat, particularly in regions with high cross-border mobility. Recent detections of polioviruses in Kenya and Uganda underline the urgency for synchronized vaccination efforts targeting vulnerable populations. High-risk areas along the border are susceptible to rapid virus transmission, making joint initiatives paramount in achieving comprehensive immunization coverage. The collaboration between Kenya and Uganda represents a proactive approach supported by international health organizations to eradicate polio efficiently.

The synchronized vaccination campaign between Kenya and Uganda exemplifies a successful regional collaboration to combat polio, achieving impressive immunization rates among children. Through meticulous planning and community engagement, these countries have set a precedent for effective public health initiatives addressing cross-border challenges. Ensuring no child remains unvaccinated is vital for protecting against the resurgence of poliovirus, and this partnership underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in the fight against infectious diseases.

Original Source: www.afro.who.int