The fight against cholera just got a crucial boost on Saturday as the Ministry of Health launched the Oral Cholera Vaccination campaign, with the aim of protecting 2.2 million individuals in Nairobi, Wajir, Tana River, Garissa, and the Dadaab refugee camps.
This step is a major component in our comprehensive response to the current cholera outbreak.
Dr. Francis Kuria, Director of Public Health represented the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Nakhumicha S. Wafula, at the launch event in Kadogo, Tana River County.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of the vaccine as a tool to protect individuals and communities, but also stressed that the vaccine alone will not control the disease.
“It’s important that we all work together to promote sustainable prevention and control measures, including water, sanitation, and hygiene practices,” she advised.
With support from various partners, including WHO, UNICEF, US-CDC, and many others, the Ministry of Health is determined to bring the current outbreak under control and prevent future outbreaks through a comprehensive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
“The vaccine to be used is safe, and I encourage all eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves and their communities,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
The Ministry, in collaboration with other line ministries, affected counties, and health stakeholders, has taken numerous measures to prevent the spread of the illness, including heightened surveillance, provision of cholera supplies and Water and Sanitation (WASH) supplies, and emergency alert to all counties.
During the vaccination campaign, teams will be moving from house to house and providing the vaccine to those who are eligible.
Let’s all play our part in controlling and preventing the spread of cholera by promoting Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene practices in our communities.
“The Ministry is aware of the limited resources at the national and county levels to effectively respond to the outbreak. We stress the need for counties and partners to allocate resources, including finances, to contain the current and future outbreaks,” added the Cabinet Secretary.
The Ministry of Health appreciates the support from all partners, including WHO, UNICEF, US-CDC, KRCS, IOM, Save the Children, USAID, CDC, Religious Leaders and Groups, the Media, Health Care Providers, and the General Public.
