Senior Community Health Officer at Teso North Sub-County hospital, Kocholya Vincent Omukaga, addressing a public baraza at Kidek Village on Tuesday./IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO
Mpox vaccines have run out in Teso North Sub-county, Busia County, forcing a temporary suspension of the ongoing ten-day vaccination exercise.
Senior Community Health Officer at Teso North Sub-county Hospital, Vincent Omukaga, said the area had been allocated 1,500 doses, which were first administered during the rollout at Safe Stop Malaba on September 3.
He said the sub-county has requested 3,000 additional doses, but it is not clear when the new supplies will arrive.
“The vaccination was scheduled to end on Friday, but the period may be extended if supplies are replenished,” Omukaga said.
Teso North and Matayos sub-counties were among the recipients of the World Health Organisation (WHO)-supplied vaccines in Busia due to their location along the Northern Corridor.
Vaccination campaigns are also ongoing in Mombasa and Nakuru counties, which are under WHO surveillance.
“Mpox is here with us. The best way to protect ourselves is to ensure vaccination of all people aged 12 years and above,” Omukaga added.
He said the vaccine is being administered free of charge, but patients who contract the virus will meet the cost of treatment.
Omukaga spoke during a public baraza convened by Amagoro Chief Joel Omachar at Kidek Village on Tuesday.
He also noted that Kocholia Sub-county Hospital runs an epilepsy clinic every Tuesday and has facilities for screening sickle cell disease.
Separately, Omukaga urged residents of Amagoro Location to construct pit latrines, saying health officials will begin household inspections next week.
Chief Omachar said 507 households in the location still lack toilets. He issued a two-week deadline for compliance, warning that failure to act could result in legal action.
