Written By Rachael Ayimba
The county government of Nakuru in collaboration with the Rotary club has marked ‘World Polio day’ in Kenyatta primary school.
The County Director Public Health Elizabeth Kiptoo has appreciated the sensitization that the nongovernmental organization continues to undertake in the community along with the vaccine donations to health facilities.
‘The county carries out mass vaccination for polio with the help of Community Health Volunteers visit households in rural areas,’ states Elizabeth.
She continued to add that with the increased Community Health Volunteers, the county has been able to carry out surveillance of birth rates and children thus enabling them to immunize on time.
‘Polio coverage in Nakuru county now stands at 93% which is 10 percent higher compared to last year. We are proud of this improvement,’ hailed Elizabeth.
Nakuru County Chief Nursing Officer, Virginia Njenga says that Nakuru County has been at the forefront to fighting Polio by administering vaccines to newborns as soon as they are delivered.
‘A larger number of mothers have taken the initiative to come and deliver in hospitals. This has made it easier for us to secure the health of these infants,’ says Virginia.
Virginia added that vaccines are available in all facilities and that all children under the age of 5 can freely access them.
She called for those who are still deeply rooted to religious beliefs and culture to set aside the notions and work together to ensure the country produces physically healthy children.
‘We have come to teach children hygienic skills because they are vulnerable to this disease,’ notes Virginia.
She reminds all the mothers and guardians to observe good hygiene when handling children.
