NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Health (MoH) is currently investigating concerns raised by members of the public regarding the ongoing polio vaccination campaign, which aims to protect millions of children under five from the crippling disease.
According to a statement issued by the ministry, unverified reports have emerged about potential changes to the vaccine, possible side effects, and whether the public should be alarmed.
The Ministry assured Kenyans that a formal statement would be released once investigations are complete.
“Investigations are ongoing, and a formal statement will be issued in due course,” the MoH said in its statement.
It also urged the public to refrain from spreading rumors and misinformation until official communication is made.
The nationwide vaccination drive, launched on October 2 and scheduled to run until October 6, is in response to a recent outbreak of circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2) in the country.
This year, five cases have been confirmed, including four children from Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana County and one positive environmental sample from Kamukunji Sub-County, Nairobi.
The campaign aims to vaccinate more than 3.8 million children in nine high-risk counties: Nairobi, Busia, Bungoma, Turkana, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado.
During a media briefing on October 3, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muriuki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating polio.
“Polio is a serious illness that can cause paralysis or even death. Our goal is to protect the future of our children by ensuring they are vaccinated,” Muriuki said.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is caused by the poliovirus, which primarily attacks the nerves that control muscle movement.
While it mainly targets nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain stem, it can lead to paralysis, difficulty in breathing, and, in severe cases, death.
The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation closely as it urges the public to support the vaccination campaign and wait for verified updates from health authorities.
According to a statement issued by the ministry, unverified reports have emerged about potential changes to the vaccine, possible side effects, and whether the public should be alarmed.
The Ministry assured Kenyans that a formal statement would be released once investigations are complete.
“Investigations are ongoing, and a formal statement will be issued in due course,” the MoH said in its statement.
It also urged the public to refrain from spreading rumors and misinformation until official communication is made.
The nationwide vaccination drive, launched on October 2 and scheduled to run until October 6, is in response to a recent outbreak of circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2) in the country.
This year, five cases have been confirmed, including four children from Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana County and one positive environmental sample from Kamukunji Sub-County, Nairobi.
The campaign aims to vaccinate more than 3.8 million children in nine high-risk counties: Nairobi, Busia, Bungoma, Turkana, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado.
During a media briefing on October 3, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muriuki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating polio.
“Polio is a serious illness that can cause paralysis or even death. Our goal is to protect the future of our children by ensuring they are vaccinated,” Muriuki said.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is caused by the poliovirus, which primarily attacks the nerves that control muscle movement.
While it mainly targets nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain stem, it can lead to paralysis, difficulty in breathing, and, in severe cases, death.
The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation closely as it urges the public to support the vaccination campaign and wait for verified updates from health authorities.
