Polio and measles campaign misses target

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By Joel Okwayo

A measles and polio immunisation campaign in Western Province failed to cover the projected 1.5 million children.

Provincial Director of Public Health Simon Kibias said only 80 per cent of the target was vaccinated in the weeklong campaign, which ran between September 19 and 26.

"We had targeted 804,160 children for polio vaccination and another 760,181 for measles, but the target was not achieved due to limited resources and other challenges," said Kibias. He said areas such as Bunyala and Mt Elgon districts were not effectively covered due to limited means of transport.

"In Bunyala, there were no boats to ferry our mobile team while in Mt Elgon, poor road network was our undoing," added Kibias.

Reducing outbreaks

The official said the campaigns were aimed at reducing measles outbreaks during the onset of heavy rains. The Kenya Meteorological Department has projected the region will face El Nino rains from this month.

The Ministry of Special Programmes has also made arrangements to ensure residents in flood prone Budalang’i constituency do not suffer.

Yesterday, Kibias said his team would reach children not immunised through another programme.

"We have identified at least two health centres in each district to provide vaccination services to those who missed out. We are confident we will cover them," added Kibias.