How Kenyan volunteers hunt polio’s hidden trail

In Kenya, community volunteers like Eroi Lemarkat investigate cases of acute flaccid paralysis in remote northern areas where wastewater surveillance is not possible. Kenya has not reported wild poliovirus since 2013, but a vaccine-derived strain can circulate in under-immunized communities. Two complementary surveillance systems are used: wastewater testing in Nairobi and investigations by volunteers in high-risk counties such as Turkana and Samburu. Dr Galm Glelo, the national point person for polio surveillance, says the information allows the Ministry of Health to respond quickly with targeted interventions.