The Ministry of Health (MoH) has rolled out a cholera vaccination campaign in the country targeting high-risk areas.
According to Afya House, the ongoing campaign will run until August 12 and seeks to inoculate both children and adults owing to recent cholera outbreaks in parts of the country.
The 8 sub-counties on MoH’s radar are Mandera East, Moyale, Kajiado East, Kamukunji, Embakasi East, Suba South, Dadaab Refugee Camps, Machakos GK Prisons & Machakos School of the Deaf.
At the same time, MoH is partnering with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to hit this target.
“MOH and UNICEF Oral Cholera Vaccine will be administered in your area on 3-12 August at health facilities and door to door. Children under one year and adults are eligible,” read a message from UNICEF.
Furthermore, the first round of vaccination took place in February 2023 with the Ministry vaccinating 2.2 million people above the age of one in Nairobi, Garissa, Tana River, and Wajir counties.
Building on this progress, the International Coordinating Group (ICG) has provided the Ministry of Health with 1,533,199 doses of the Oral Cholera Vaccine for the campaign.
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Cholera Outbreak in Kenya
As of July 18, the country reported 11,181 cholera cases and 196 fatalities in twenty-six counties.
The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) stands at 1.7%, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the critical need for prompt action.
According to MoH, the number of Kenyans who have died due to the cholera outbreak currently stands at 99.
Moreover, the data shows 76 of those who have died are men while 23 are women with the case fatality rate standing at 1.5.
What’s more, Nairobi has the highest number of fatalities at 34, followed by Tana River at 18, Garissa 12, Wajir 11, Kiambu and Mandera five deaths each, Kitui four while Homa bay and Meru have three deaths each.
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In 2022, cholera broke out in six regions in Kenya including the capital Nairobi.
According to the health ministry, the outbreak originated from “a wedding party held in Kiambu County”. The government further reported thirty-one cases in Kiambu.
About Cholera Vaccine
A cholera vaccine is a jab that is effective at preventing the waterborne disease. For the first six months after vaccination it provides about 85 percent protection, which decreases to 50 percent or 62 percent during the first year.
After two years the level of protection decreases to less than 50 percent. When enough of the population is immunized, it may protect those who have not been immunized (known as herd immunity).
Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of cholera vaccines in combination with other measures among those at substantial risk. With the oral vaccine, two or three doses are typically recommended.
In addition, the duration of protection is two years in adults and six months in children aged 2–5 years. A single dose vaccine is available for those traveling to an area where cholera is common.
Moreover, research shows that the available types of oral vaccine are safe. Mild abdominal pain or diarrhea may occur. They are safe in pregnancy and in those with poor immune function.
Symptoms of cholera
The major symptoms of cholera include:
- Diarrhea (Stool appears pale and milky)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte Imbalance
- Low blood pressure
- Loose skin and dry mouth
- Rapid heartbeat
- Weight loss
Causes of Cholera
The following are certain modes of transmission and risk factors:
- It is caused by the bacteria vibrio cholerae that gets transmitted through the oral-fecal route.
- Contaminated food and drink
- Raw or uncooked food including meat and fish
- Unhygienic sanitary conditions
- Reduced level of stomach acid
Prevention
- Wash hands frequently with soap
- Avoid street food
- Do not eat raw or half cooked meat
- Drink treated purified water
- Maintain good sanitation
Complications
If untreated the complications may include:
- Hypoglycemia – a condition with low blood sugar
- Hypokalemia – a condition with low potassium levels
- Failure of kidney
