Globally the burden of yellow fever is estimated at 84,000-170,000 severe cases and 29,000-60,000 deaths every year. In Kenya, 27 cases have been reported between 1st January 1975 to 30th October 2020 (Akuoma U. Nwaiwu et al., 2021) and the last recorded outbreak occurred in 1992/93 in Kerio Valley in which 55 cases and 5 deaths were recorded (Sanders et al., 1998). In March 2016, two imported cases were reported where they had a history of travel from Angola. One of the cases succumbed while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.

In January 2022, Isiolo County reported 15 cases of Yellow Fever -like illnesses characterized by fever, jaundice and headache. The first case was reported on 12th January 2022. So far 6 cases have succumbed to the illnesses. The majority of the cases are being reported from Garbatula and Merti sub-counties.

In April of the same year, Garissa County also reported 4 suspected yellow fever cases. Out of the 4 cases, one was confirmed at CDC regional referral laboratory in Uganda.

The three core WHO’s a strategy for the Elimination of Yellow Fever Endemics (EYE) (WHO, 2019)are:

• Protect at-risk populations
• Prevent the international spread of yellow fever
• Contain outbreaks rapidly

To achieve the above objectives and as a follow-up activity to the epidemiological investigation which was conducted in March 2022 in Isiolo county and neighboring sub-counties of Garissa, a reactive vaccination exercise targeting individuals aged between 6 months to 60 years has been planned to commence in mid-June 2022. The exercise will be carried out in Lagdera, Balambala and Garissa sub-counties of Garissa County and, Isiolo, Merti and Garbatula sub-counties of Isiolo County.

In light of the above, an assessment of cold chain equipment in the 2 counties was necessary. The assessment was conducted by a team from Kenya FELTP, DDSR, KEMRI and the respective counties. The activity was conducted for 5 days between 30th May to 3rd June 2022.

Objectives

Broad Objective

To assess the readiness of Garissa and Isiolo counties for a reactive yellow fever vaccination campaign.

Specific Objectives

• Map immunizing facilities in the sub-counties of Garissa and Isiolo counties
• Assess the functionality and capacity of cold chain storage for vaccines in the 2 counties

By the end of the exercise, 124 health facilities had been assessed. The findings from the exercise were shared with the key stakeholders including the County Health Management Teams of Isiolo and Garissa counties.