Wajir county has launched a measles vaccination drive following two outbreaks last year.
The county reported 256 cases, with four measles-related deaths.
Blood samples sent to Kemri tested positive.
Deputy governor Ahmed Mukhtar led the exercise at Qorahey grounds yesterday. The county government intervention includes community education, defaulter tracing and enhanced vaccination.
The first wave occurred in February 2018, while the second outbreak was confirmed in September.
“The first documented case was a two-year-old boy from Danaba health centre in Wajir North who is suspected to have contracted the disease from neighbouring Mandera West subcounty,” Mukhtar said.
Of the 256 cases, 23 were confirmed after laboratory testing. “In such a situation, three confirmed cases warrant declaration of an outbreak and immediate response," the chief officer.
The vaccination campaign targets 94,000 children between the ages of six months and five year. It will be done within the next five days across the county.
He said the county government is committed to investing in immunisation to attain the targets and eradicate the disease.
“To achieve this, we have established 102 immunisation centres out of the 115 operational facilities," Mukhtar said, adding that plans are under way to provide equipment in the remaining facilities to bridge the access gap.
He appealed to parents to cooperate by taking their children to the designated vaccination posts. The vaccination will also target rubella, a mild form of measles.
The deputy governor lauded the continued support of Save the Children International , World Health Organization, Ministry of Health and other partners.
