Borana, Somali Communities In Kibra Reject Polio Vaccination
Borana and Somali communities residing in Kibra constituency have reportedly refused have their children vaccinated against polio citing cultural reasons.
Eunice Oloo a helathworker administering the vaccine to children in Woodley and Kenyatta Golf Course says that the two communities have rejected their calls to have their children vaccinated despite persistent calls.
“It has been a challenge, most of them tell us that their community forbids vaccination and it has been a big problem to us. So far we don’t have any problem with other communities,’’ she said.
They are now calling on the government to assist the two communities in the area by sensitising them on importance of taking part in immunisations.
‘‘At some point you cannot blame them so much and it is now upon us to sensitise them frequently and have them understand the vitality of these vaccines,’’ she added.
Meanwhile the vaccination exercise in the area has been smooth and many parents responded positively.
‘‘Apart from rejection challenges we are doing well many parents have embraced us we hope at the end of this exercise we will have a good number,’’ Eunice said.
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This is the second round of polio vaccination in which the government targets at least 3 Million children in 13 counties to prevent the disease.
The first round of the immunization exercise was in May 2021 and about 3.2 Million children were vaccinated.
The campaign took place in Garissa, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kitui, Lamu, Machakos, Mandera, Mombasa, Nairobi, Tana River and Wajir counties, as well as in the Dadaab refugee camp.
“The Government of Kenya is continuing to take urgent action to stop polio in its tracks and save children’s lives, we are now looking forward to finishing this important job in round two this month.” Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said.
WATCH; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CSEdtp3Hb8&t=341s
By Allan Otieno
