Government to offer free Cholera Vaccination

Nairobi

Wednesday August 2, 2023

KNA by Shamim Kambi

The government has committed to help in the fight against cholera by implementing the Kenya National Multi-Sectoral Cholera Elimination Plan for 2022-2030.

Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muriuki noted that by July 2023, the country has witnessed a staggering 11,181 reported cases and 196 deaths across 26 counties due to cholera and that the number serves as a stark reminder of the need for action and reinforcement of Kenya’s determination to combat the disease.

“The outbreak has taken a toll on our communities, causing immense suffering and loss. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) has reached 1.7 percent, and is scoring the severity of the situation. And we cannot remain idle, while our people continue to face the threat of this preventable and treatable disease,” remarked Muriuki.

She further stated that the Kenya National Multisectoral Cholera Elimination Plan has outlined comprehensive strategies to combat the spread of cholera by using the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) as recommended by the Kenya National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (KENITAG).

The PS, in a speech read on her behalf by the Deputy Director General of Public Health Dr. Sultan Matendechero, highlighted that the first round of vaccination conducted in February 2023 was successful as 2.2 million people aged above 1 year were vaccinated in Nairobi, Garissa, Tana River and Wajir, with 99.2 per cent coverage administratively and 93.2 per cent in the post-campaign survey, leading to substantial reduction in cholera cases in these areas.

“The International Coordinating Group (ICG) has granted us 1,533,199 doses of the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) for our upcoming campaign scheduled to begin on 3rd of August 2023 as the main focus being the most affected counties with Homa bay (Suba South) taking the lead,” voiced Muriuki.

In addition, the PS promised to concentrate on vaccinating the residence of GK Prison Camp and the School for the Deaf in Machakos, whereas in Garissa the focus will be on the new arrivals at the Dadaab refugee camp in an exercise that will run for ten days up to the 12th of August 2023.

“I earnestly urge each and every one of us to actively engage in this fight against cholera by following essential public health measures and raising awareness in order to ensure a safer and healthier future to all Kenyans. Our actions today will determine the course of this outbreak and shape the well-being of our nation years to come,” said Muriuki.

At the same time, the Emergencies Preparedness and Response (EPR) Team Leader, Dr. Martins Livinus sensitized that the Cholera Outbreak response is always two-fold. First is to treat the sick and more important to create the necessary environment that will stop the bacteria from spreading. The second part is always the hardest, especially where local and immigrant population movements are high and clean water is not always available.

Livinus explained that the vaccine is administered through the mouth and should not be confused with oral polio vaccine, adding that it has been used in many countries for over ten years and has helped in curtailing major outbreaks.

“We really wished a large population could have been targeted for vaccination, but unfortunately the vaccine is in very high demand worldwide, but we are grateful that the government, World Health Organization (WHO) and partners were able to acquire what is available for 1.7 million persons,” said Livinus.

Courtesy ; K. N. A