To date in 2013, Kenya has reported a total of seven cases of wild polio virus, and a recent outbreak left six people paralyzed in Garissa. To The First Lady of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta, launched the third round of the national polio vaccination campaign in Mombasa on July 3. The campaign concluded on July 10 and targeted 4.3 million children under five in 22 counties.
USAID Office of Population Health Director Barbara Hughes spoke at the National Launch of the Polio Vaccination Campaign. "Your Excellency First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, on behalf of the American people, thank you for your leadership in protecting the health of the children of Kenya. We have witnessed strong support for the polio eradication initiative in Kenya and continued commitment to the promotion of vaccination."
In preparation for the campaign, USAID procured 600,000 doses of polio vaccine and continues to support community mobilization efforts to ensure that caregivers bring their children to receive this life-saving vaccine. This work is part of the AIDS, Population and Health Integrated Assistance Program (APHIA) to address the diverse health needs of the Kenyan people.
Mombasa County, Kenya