Polio campaign kicks-off in Kenya despite protest by the Catholic Church

A health  worker administers polio vaccine on a child

The polio vaccination campaign kicked-off in 32 high risk counties despite protests from the Catholic Church to boycott the campaign.

Archbishop John Njue urged Kenyans to snub the exercise until the safety of the vaccine has been confirmed through scientific facts and documentation from the manufacturer.

However, health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia alleviated fears that the vaccine was unsafe explaining that it has been tested and approved by the World Health Organization and UNICEF that prioritize the health and protection of children.

“The Ministry of Health wishes to assure parents, guardians and all Kenyans that the vaccines used during these polio vaccination campaigns are safe and effective and are the same vaccines used routinely to immunize children in all public, private and faith-based health facilities. All the vaccines used in the country must also undergo rigorous quality control testing procedures by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board which is the body legally mandated to ensure quality, safety and efficacy of all medical products in Kenya,” he explained.

He said the vaccine was being administered after research showed that 66 percent of Kenyan children are at risk of contracting it.

“The ministry of health once again reassures the public of the safety of all vaccines used in Kenya,” he said. “I therefore appeal to all stakeholders, especially the leadership of the Catholic Church, to continue supporting” the immunization campaign in Kenya.

The ministry urged parents to ensure their children below five years got immunized against the infectious disease.

The counties where the vaccination is being conducted are Lamu, Tana river, Kitui, Marsabit, Tharaka Nithi, Nairobi, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Homabay, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nyamira, Siaya, Baringo, Bomet, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kericho, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Kajiado, Samburu, Transnzoia, Turkana, Uasin-Gishu, West Pokot, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega and Vihiga Counties.