Over 6.5 Million Children Vaccinated in Kenya-Uganda Polio Campaign

In a historic synchronized cross-border vaccination campaign, over 6.5 million children in Kenya and Uganda received polio immunizations from October 3 to 6, 2024. Launched in Bungoma District, Kenya, and Mbale District, Uganda, this initiative focused on vulnerable children in high-risk border areas, ensuring comprehensive protection against this debilitating disease.

The joint effort underscores both countries’ commitment to combating polio, particularly in regions where cross-border transmission poses a significant threat. By coordinating their vaccination campaigns and sharing real-time data, Kenya and Uganda have effectively reduced the risk of the poliovirus spreading along their 772-kilometer border.

Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health in Uganda’s Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating, “Our health workers will vaccinate every child against polio door-to-door. Vaccination has eradicated many diseases in Uganda, and we thank all our partners for supporting a polio-free future. Protect your children from paralysis—vaccinate today.”

The urgency of this campaign was prompted by the detection of six polioviruses in Kenya and one in Uganda through environmental surveillance earlier this year. Both nations recognized the need for immediate action to prevent further transmission, especially among children under five living near the border.

Dr. Charles Njuguna, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Uganda, highlighted the rapid spread of the virus in the East African region, noting, “The virus is spreading fast, putting our children—particularly those under five—at risk of this incurable yet vaccine-preventable disease.”

To maximize coverage, the governments of Kenya and Uganda implemented coordinated strategies at both national and regional levels, focusing on the ten districts along their border. Authorities mapped cross-border communities and migratory routes, ensuring that health workers could reach even the most remote populations.

Charles Korir, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Coordinator in Kenya, praised the collaborative effort: “The current polio outbreak in Eastern Africa is fueled by heavy movement of high-risk populations. The synchronized campaigns by Kenya and Uganda are a commendable step, supported by the GPEI partnership.”

This campaign is part of a broader regional strategy, backed by WHO and GPEI partners, aimed at closing immunization gaps and addressing the issue of “zero-dose” children—those who have never been vaccinated. Both countries recognize that polio cannot be eradicated in isolation, and their synchronized approach exemplifies the power of regional cooperation in addressing public health challenges.

As the two nations prepare for their second synchronized campaign scheduled for November 6-10, their collaborative efforts set a powerful example for others facing similar threats. By prioritizing cross-border vaccination, Kenya and Uganda are leading the way toward a polio-free future, benefiting not only their citizens but the global community as well.