The Busia County Department of Health will roll out the second phase of its Mpox vaccination campaign from July 17 to 26, targeting high-risk populations in an effort to curb the continued spread of the disease.
The campaign will mainly focus on Matayos and Teso North sub-counties, which have recorded the highest number of infections due to their proximity to the Kenya-Uganda border and increased cross-border movement.
Speaking after a stakeholders’ sensitization forum attended by representatives from religious groups, administrators, customs officers, sex workers, fish traders, boda boda operators and the transport sector, Matayos Sub-county Health Promotion Officer Kennedy Odhiambo said the vaccination exercise is aimed at reducing transmission and protecting vulnerable populations.
“We are commencing the Mpox vaccination campaign, which will run from Friday, July 17 to July 26. The county has continued reporting Mpox cases, especially in Matayos and Teso North because of the border points and cross-border movements,” said Odhiambo. He noted that Busia has so far recorded 105 confirmed Mpox cases, an indication that community transmission is still ongoing.
“There are cases that are being reported and so far in the county we have 105 cases. This clearly indicates that there is still transmission of Mpox which needs to be controlled,” he added urging residents to continue observing preventive measures alongside the vaccination campaign.
“Our aim is to ensure the community is free from Mpox. We have been conducting sensitization to ensure people receive the right information and understand the measures they should practice to prevent infection,” he added.
An officer from the Infectious Diseases Section, Joan Anyanga, said the campaign will prioritize Matayos and Teso North because they account for the highest number of reported cases.
“The vaccination campaign will mainly be conducted in Teso North and Matayos sub-counties because they have experienced the highest number of infections. Matayos has reported 47 cases while Teso North has reported 29 cases, making them the most affected areas,” she said.
Anyanga added that disease surveillance and screening remain active across the county to identify new infections early. “We have improved our surveillance and screening to identify cases and respond promptly. The vaccination targets people at risk, and we encourage the community to observe preventive measures, including regular handwashing and following all Ministry of Health guidelines to reduce community transmission,” she advised.
Busia Municipality Assistant County Commissioner Calvin Monare on his part called on residents to cooperate with health workers and ignore misinformation surrounding the vaccine.
“Vaccination is going to protect us. The disease is still with us, and my appeal is that we cooperate and ensure we get vaccinated. The vaccine is safe and has been approved by the relevant government agency. Let us not be distracted by misinformation and fail to protect ourselves,” he said.
A beneficiary of the first phase of the vaccination campaign, George Luhoma, encouraged those eligible to receive the vaccine to do so saying he experienced no adverse effects.
“Last year I received the Mpox vaccine and it was good for me. My appeal to those working at the border points is to prioritize getting vaccinated so that they remain safe. There are many myths surrounding this vaccine, but as someone who has received it, I can confirm it is safe,” he said.
By Salome Alwanda /Rodgers Omondi
