News Release

Helping to Eradicate Polio

The Public Affairs Council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kenya stepped in to help the Church’s Charity arm deliver supplies to fight polio in Kenya. 14,000 aprons, vests and jackets with logos.

The Public Affairs Council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kenya stepped in to help the Church’s Charity arm deliver supplies to fight polio in Kenya—14,000 aprons, vests and jackets with logos—Vaccinate the Children. They drove four pickup loads to the offices of the Kenya National Public Health Institute. Volunteer members of the Church loaded and unload many big boxes. Philip Makau, Public Affairs for the Church coordinated the delivery to the Kenya National Public Health Institute’s offices on September 26, 2006.

 

Dr. Daniel Lansat, head of the Disease Surveillance and Response Unit, expressed appreciation for the support and said the Church’s donations would go a long way to help with the polio eradication plan. The aprons, jackets and shirts help identify the mobilizing units, also create awareness for the project. Dr. Lyndahl Makayotto and Wycliffe Matini among others were there to greet and accept the valued donations.

The vaccine, provided by others, arrived earlier in the day and with the church donated identifying clothing delivered, the 14,000-person team are now prepared to mobilize with urgency to target two counties—Kitui County and Kiambu County to immunize for polio. Not only are these materials for administering the vaccine to children, but to educate and convivence parents this vaccine will help eradicate polio in all of Kenya.

The polio team consists of vaccinators, advisors, supervisors and volunteers—polio survivors are extremely valuable in convincing those who oppose the vaccine. The Kenya National Health Institute officers expressed their gratitude for these necessary items.

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