Nurses' strike interrupts Hepatitis B vaccination

Clinical officers and laboratory technicians have been deployed in a Hepatitis B vaccination drive in two North Rift counties.

Health departments in Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot, the counties hit by a Hepatitis B outbreak, said the vaccination was briefly disrupted by the nurses' strike.

"We have 11 Hepatitis B hot spots in West Pokot," said Geoffrey Lipale, West Pokot County executive for health.

The disease has been reported in Chepareria, Cheptulel and Lelan, as well as some areas bordering Uganda, such as Kanyao, Kanyeru and Kang'olechang. Nine people died of Hepatitis B last year and 19 new cases diagnosed.

In Elgeyo Marakwet, the disease has been reported in Kapsowar, Moiben-Kuserwo and Cherangany-Chebororwa wards. Health CEC Kiprono Chepkok said 200 new cases had been detected since last December.

West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo has threatened to suspend pay for striking nurses.