More potent vaccine to tame polio

A minor receives a polio vaccine at a dispensary in Kosele, Homa Bay County

The next time you take your newborn for routine immunisation do not be surprised that the one against polio is now an injection not oral. Known as the Inactivated Polio Vaccine, this new form of vaccine has been cited as a critical step to achieve a lasting polio-free world.

IPV is anticipated to protect countries from polio re-infection or re-emergence, protect children better from all strains of polio disease and accelerate the eradication of the remaining strains of wild polio virus transmission. Since 1996, Kenya has been involved in national campaign to eradicate polio by preventing infection through immunising every child under the age of five. Polio is spread by person-to-person contact, is incurable and is worsened by poor sanitation and a lack of clean water.