Since May 2013, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 14 cases of Wild Polio Virus type 1 in Kenya. Polio is a disease that spreads fast and causes paralysis leading to permanent disabilities and even death. In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNICEF, World Health Organization, LDS Charities and other partners have embarked on a national immunization campaign with one having taken place on 21st to 25th September, 2013. LDS Charities is the humanitarian arm of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Children under the age of five years were immunized across the country. Some adults in Dadaab refugee camp and Garissa and Wajir counties were also immunized.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Speaking at the launch of the campaign in Nairobi on 21st September, Hon. Harold Kipchumba, who is a nominated Senator and a polio survivor, encouraged the parents to ensure the children receive the vaccine. He stated that he wishes he would have had a chance to run around like other children when he was a child. Prof. Fred Segor, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Hon. Tim Wanyonyi, Westlands Member of Parliament and other government leaders and partner representatives were present at the launch. President Jadmaire Ndivo, Kenya Nairobi Stake President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes referred to as the Mormons, and one of his assistants, Gordon Ondiek, were also present.
Since its organization, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has sought to care for the poor and needy. LDS Charities was established by the Church in 1996 to enhance Church involvement in relief and development activities throughout the world. Humanitarian projects are funded by donations from Church members and others.
As a result of continued partnership with the Government of Kenya on many of the health projects, President Gordon Ondiek was appointed in 2012 to sit on the Steering Committee for the National Integrated Measles Campaign.