Mandera County’s Health Department has initiated an important five-day campaign to vaccinate against polio, focusing on enhancing immunity among children to protect the area from possible outbreaks of the virus. Running from February 21 to 25, 2025, the initiative aims to immunize more than 200,000 children under five throughout the county.
Health authorities have organized a team of dedicated vaccinators to conduct immunizations door-to-door, ensuring that children are reached at home as well as at cross-border locations, local markets, and healthcare facilities.
Mukhtar Isaack, the Chief Officer for Public Health in Mandera County, has urged parents and guardians to make sure their children receive this crucial polio vaccination. He highlighted the county’s dedication to vaccinating every child under five, stating, “I call on all parents to bring their children out for immunization. It’s essential to protect our future generations from polio.”
As part of the efforts to enhance cross-border cooperation, health officials from both Kenya and Ethiopia conducted a meeting to synchronize their vaccination strategies. This collaboration guarantees that children, particularly those in border communities, receive the necessary immunization to prevent the transmission of polio across both nations.
By harmonizing their vaccination efforts across the border, both countries aim to minimize the possibility of polio transmission and ensure that no child misses out on the vaccine. Healthcare workers and community organizers are diligently working to raise awareness and encourage parental participation in the campaign.
The collaborative initiatives in Mandera County underscore the significance of vaccination in averting a resurgence of polio, a disease that continues to pose a major risk in certain areas. The ongoing vaccination effort plays a crucial role in maintaining polio-free status for Kenya and its neighboring countries, thereby protecting the health of children and communities in the region.
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