The World Health Organization has called on African countries including Kenya to renew their effort to ensure a polio-free continent.
The WHO in a statement on Tuesday said that even though significant progress towards eliminating the disease has been made, more needs to be done.
This comes even as Kenya joined the rest of the World in marking World Polio Day 2023 under the theme ‘Make Polio History.’
The Day is celebrated every October 24 to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk who developed one of the most effective vaccines against poliomyelitis.
The day provides an opportunity to raise awareness and resources to battle the disease.
According to WHO, there has been a decrease in the number of cases in the region from 438 circulating variant polio cases reported by the end of September 2022 to 304 cases this year, representing a 31 per cent decrease in the past 12 months.
“These results offer hope that the African Region will halt poliovirus circulation, to reach the global goal of polio eradication,” WHO said.
“Cross-border coordination for joint actions to track poliovirus and vaccinate children on the move continues to be a priority to end polio,” it added.
The global health agency has noted that the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected response efforts against the disease, leading to a dip in population immunity and a resurgence of certain poliovirus types.
This, combined with challenges related to vaccine availability, has heightened transmission risks.
“Polio currently constitutes the only Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and we must continue to advocate to ensure the required action is carried out.”
Early this month, the Ministry of Health conducted another round of polio vaccination which targeted at least 3.1 million children under five years with the lifesaving vaccine.
The five-day exercise was conducted in the 10 high-risk counties of Mandera, Wajir, Tana River, Lamu, Kitui, Machakos, Kiambu, Kajiado, Nairobi and Garissa.
According to the ministry, despite sustained efforts, there are clear indications that transmission of the virus is still active in Garissa County, especially within the refugee camps.
“Members of the public and especially parents should ensure that their children are up to date on the recommended vaccination schedules,” PS Public Health Mary Muthoni said.
The ministry confirmed that a total of eight cases had been reported in the country after two more were recorded in Garissa, one in a child aged seven years contrary to the common belief that polio largely affects children under five years of age.
The ministry has attributed the ongoing polio outbreaks to missed vaccination opportunities among children.