Busia Residents Urged to Mask Up as Kenya Kicks Off 10-Day Mpox Vaccination Drive
Busia County has issued a fresh health alert, advising residents—especially those in border areas—to put on their face masks again as a precautionary measure against Mpox. This comes as a 10-day vaccination campaign targeting the most vulnerable groups kicks off.
The campaign led by Ministry of Health is focusing on young people, cross-border truck drivers and frontline medical workers. This is as cases continue to rise in cross-border regions where movement between Kenya and Uganda is high.
“Screening and monitoring is ongoing at all border entry points. Uganda started their vaccination exercise a few days ago and have already set up vaccination centres,” said Joan Wanyanga, Mpox vaccination officer. She urged residents to revive preventive practices like frequent handwashing, sanitising and mask-wearing in crowded areas to stop the spread.
Busia has so far recorded 68 confirmed cases of Mpox, two of them fatal. Health officials want to vaccinate over 3,000 people during the exercise with at least 1,500 from Matayos constituency, one of the most affected areas. The campaign will also cover Teso North.
However, long distance drivers represented by Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) are skeptical about the vaccination drive, saying it was rushed and lacked sensitisation on its safety and purpose.
On the other hand, some residents—young people and drivers—welcomed the initiative, saying awareness campaigns had already been ongoing. Many said the vaccines will play a big role in containing the outbreak.
Residents have also asked county officials to tighten hygiene standards in public places especially in eateries and lodging facilities which they suspect contribute to the spread of the disease.
“We want the Ministry of Health to ensure hotel and lodging workers maintain cleanliness because they play a big role in controlling the disease,” said one resident.
All eligible individuals including drivers and border residents are now being asked to turn up for vaccination to stop the rising cases.
Also Read: Back to Masks: Kenyans in These Areas Told to Start Wearing Face Masks Again
Busia Residents Urged to Mask Up as Kenya Kicks Off 10-Day Mpox Vaccination Drive