Mpox vaccination drive kicks off in Malaba to protect high-risk groups
Health officials said the exercise is critical in preventing the spread of the viral disease, with Busia county already reporting a high number of cases.
A 10-day mpox vaccination campaign has been rolled out at the busy Kenya-Uganda border town of Malaba, targeting high-risk groups along the Northern Corridor.
Health officials said the exercise is critical in preventing the spread of the viral disease, with Busia county already reporting a high number of cases.
Subcounty mpox and noncommunicable diseases coordinator Gloria Ojune said 330 people received the jab on Wednesday.
“The turnout was so much impressive. We have two static vaccination sites at Safe Stop near the bus park and Port Health while the remaining vaccinating team will be mobile within the hotspots,” she said.
The drive was officially launched by Malaba North ward administrator John Ikojot, who represented Teso North subcounty administrator Silas Juma.
He noted that Teso North has been classified as a high-risk zone, with 20 out of the 60 reported mpox cases in Busia county.
“We must sensitise our people about the lurking dangers. We call upon all groups of people who are at high-risk to take the jab against the disease,” Ikojot said.
Those considered at greatest risk include long-distance truck drivers, hoteliers, and boda boda operators who frequently interact with them. “We are engaged in mobilisation along the Northern Corridor between Kocholia and Malaba One Stop Border Post,” Ikojot added.
Busia is among three counties identified for the campaign by the World Health Organization (WHO), alongside Nakuru and Mombasa, due to their location along the key transport corridor.
WHO representative Charles Mulwa emphasised the need for the targeted groups to be vaccinated. He said the ongoing health campaign would help stop further spread of the virus.
Kenya Revenue Authority representative Walter Ouma called on those identified for vaccination to cooperate. “You don’t know whom you will come into contact with,” he warned.
Teso North subcounty medical officer of health Catherine Erone stressed that those in the corridor are more exposed due to frequent interactions. Subcounty public health officer and health promoter Judith Heckanusur described the launch as the culmination of years of effort. She revealed that she has also received the jab to encourage the public to follow suit.
