IOM supports Kenya’s Polio vaccination drive targeting 7.4 million children

Nairobi - Following six positive polio cases in children reported in two refugee camps of Dadaab and Hagadera in June 2023, the Ministry of Health launched a plan to conduct three national polio vaccination drives targeting 7.4 million children under the age of five as part of efforts to safeguard the health and wellbeing of its young population.

The first to the third polio campaigns ran from 24 to 28 August, 7 to 11 October and 11 to 15 November 2023 targeting high-risk counties in Kenya including Nairobi, Machakos, Kiambu, Kajiado, Garissa, Kitui, Mandera, Wajir, Tana River and Lamu.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and partners actively supported the Government of Kenya in its efforts for a polio-free country, through enhancing a robust cross-border collaboration and addressing surveillance gaps across international borders.

Throughout the vaccination drives, IOM coordinated with Ministry of Health mobile vaccination teams to ensure migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and people living in urban informal settlements get access to the vaccine. Moreover, IOM trained community health workers to address cultural sensitivities and language barriers with respect and empathy to ensure that no child was left behind.

Over 4 million children under the age of five have received the polio vaccine over the cause of the three campaigns. The campaign's success is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with IOM and other partners in Kenya.