During a synchronized cross-border campaign from October 3 to 6, 2024, over 6.5 million children in Kenya and Uganda were vaccinated against polio. This coordinated effort, initiated in Bungoma District, Kenya, and Mbale District, Uganda, aimed to protect vulnerable children in high-risk border areas, ensuring that no child is left unprotected from this debilitating disease.
The synchronized vaccination campaign, a joint initiative between the two East African nations, highlights their shared commitment to combating polio, particularly in regions where cross-border transmission poses a serious risk. By aligning their efforts and sharing real-time information, the countries significantly reduced the potential for the virus to spread across their 772-kilometer border.
Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, the Director of Public Health in Uganda’s Ministry of Health, stated, “Our health workers will vaccinate every child against polio door-to-door. Vaccination has eradicated many diseases in Uganda. We thank all our partners for their support in ensuring a polio-free future. Protect your children from paralysis & vaccinate today.”
The urgency of the campaign was prompted by the detection of six polioviruses in Kenya and one in Uganda through environmental surveillance earlier this year. Both countries recognized the need for immediate action to prevent further transmission, especially among children under five years old living near the border. Dr. Charles Njuguna, the World Health Organization (WHO) country representative in Uganda, emphasized, “The virus is spreading fast in the East African region, putting our children—particularly those aged 5 years or below—at the risk of contracting this incurable yet vaccine-preventable disease.”
To ensure comprehensive coverage, the governments of Kenya and Uganda implemented coordinated strategies at both national and regional levels. Special attention was given to the 10 districts along the border, where authorities mapped cross-border communities, migratory routes, and entry/exit points. This detailed planning allowed health workers to reach the most remote and nomadic populations, who are at heightened risk due to their mobility and the porous nature of the international boundary.
“The current polio outbreak in Eastern Africa is fueled by heavy movement of high-risk populations between countries. The decision by the Governments of Kenya and Uganda to conduct two synchronized campaigns in October and November is a laudable effort supported by the GPEI partnership,” said the Global Polio Eradication Initiative Coordinator in Kenya Charles Korir.
This campaign is part of a broader regional strategy, supported by the WHO and other Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners, to close immunization gaps and address the issue of “zero-dose” children—those who have never been vaccinated.
Both Kenya and Uganda understand that polio cannot be eradicated in isolation, and this synchronized approach demonstrates the power of regional cooperation in tackling public health threats.
They affirmed that “Polio knows no borders, and neither should the fight to eradicate it”.
The success of this cross-border initiative showcases how joint efforts can protect vulnerable populations and prevent the spread of the virus beyond national boundaries.
As Kenya and Uganda look ahead to their second synchronized campaign scheduled for November 6-10, their collaborative efforts serve as a model for other nations facing similar challenges.
By continuing to prioritize cross-border vaccination, these countries are leading the charge toward a polio-free future,
