Kenya is currently experiencing a shortage of polio vaccines, raising alarms among public health experts as the threat of cross-border transmission intensifies. This shortfall is attributed to delayed international funding and the withdrawal of financial aid from previous global health partners, impacting the availability and distribution of essential immunisation supplies.
There are two main types of polio vaccines: the oral polio vaccine (OPV) and the injectable polio vaccine (IPV). While OPV has historically been used in mass immunisation campaigns due to its ease of administration and cost-effectiveness, IPV, which is typically administered via injection, offers direct protection against the virus and is mostly supplied through private pharmaceutical channels. The country is believed to be facing a shortage of OPV, the primary vaccine used in public health initiatives.
Although Kenya has managed to remain largely polio-free for nearly two decades, recent outbreaks in neighbouring countries such as South Sudan, Somalia, and Uganda pose a significant threat. South Sudan recently confirmed new cases of polio, and Somalia continues to report sporadic outbreaks. Given the porous borders and high levels of cross-border movement, Kenya faces an increased risk of importing the virus if preventative measures are not reinforced.
Polio is a highly infectious disease that spreads mainly through contaminated food and water. Once ingested, the virus multiplies in the intestines and can then invade the nervous system, sometimes causing irreversible paralysis or even death. In some cases, it can affect brain functions and weaken respiratory muscles, making early prevention critical.
The challenge with polio is that most infections go undetected, as only one in every 200 infected individuals exhibits symptoms such as paralysis. This makes routine laboratory testing of stool samples essential for identifying and monitoring outbreaks. Additionally, a significant number of adults remain unvaccinated or under-immunised, further complicating containment efforts.
Vaccination remains the most effective strategy in controlling and ultimately eradicating polio. The use of IPV, available in pre-filled syringes, is a reliable alternative in times when OPV supplies are constrained. It ensures children continue to receive immunity even when oral options are limited.
Health authorities in Kenya are being urged to intensify surveillance, enhance public education on hygiene, and ensure equitable vaccine access across all counties. Immunisation campaigns must continue uninterrupted, and efforts must be made to secure additional vaccine supplies through global partnerships.
With the support of international health bodies, Kenya is expected to initiate expanded national campaigns to curb the potential resurgence of polio and other infectious diseases. Sustained vigilance, combined with timely vaccination, remains vital to protecting the population, particularly vulnerable children, from the re-emergence of this debilitating disease.
