Expanding immunization efforts in West Pokot, despite ongoing obstacles

West Pokot County, located in Kenya, is making strides in its vaccination campaigns, aiming to achieve equitable immunisation coverage. The county is employing several strategies, such as increasing outreach services, reducing distances, and intensifying follow-up efforts.

To reach remote areas, the county has strengthened its workforce by deploying new staff. Currently, approximately 40 outreach sessions are being run across three sub-counties, supported by organisations like Rotary Doctors and Action Against Hunger (ACF), which have aided over 70 mobile outreaches and clinics in West Pokot County.

Despite these efforts, immunisation coverage in West Pokot County has slightly declined, from 56% in 2023 to 53% in 2024, falling well below the national average of 80%. County Health and Sanitation Executive, Claire Parklea, emphasises the need to raise the urgency of campaigns such as HPV in schools, reach expectant mothers, and increase household visits to trace defaulters.

Persistent shortages of polio, yellow fever, and rotavirus vaccines continue to pose a challenge in West Pokot County. A recent nurses' strike has also interrupted Hepatitis B vaccination. However, the county has received support from the World Bank, acquiring 99 new fridges (62 solar-powered and 37 electric) between 2023 and 2025 to improve cold storage capacity for vaccines.

The revived Big Catch-Up Initiative has injected new momentum into vaccination efforts, and mobile clinics have been introduced to offer immunisation, maternal health services, and child registration in remote communities. Plans are underway to open more immunisation facilities to bridge access inequities.

West Pokot County has seen success in recent vaccination campaigns, surpassing national targets during the Measles-Rubella (MR) and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) campaigns, recording 107% coverage for MR and 92% for TCV.

However, socio-cultural issues persist, with immunisation often viewed as a woman's duty, yet women lacking economic power. To address this, Community Health Promoters (CHPs) have been mobilised to trace defaulters and hold monthly monitoring meetings.

The organisation responsible for the expansion of immunization sites in West Pokot County is Amref Health Africa. Rotary has been supporting outreach programs in Pokot North, conducting 20 integrated outreaches every two weeks.

Despite the challenges, West Pokot County continues to make significant strides in its vaccination efforts. At Kamketo Dispensary, over 4,212 immunisations have been administered, including 187 vaccinations for children under one year. The county's determination to overcome obstacles and achieve equitable immunisation coverage is commendable.