Nominated Member of Parliament Harold Kipchumba has been named the winner of the Distinguished Polio Advocacy Award by the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy (RCWDA).
The National Assembly acknowledged the public servant on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, for his unwavering determination, bravery, trust, and consistent effort in protecting children from the disease.
The awardee, according to the RCWDA, was recognized for going above and beyond to ensure the health and well-being of society through polio education, immunization, and prevention.
“The award recognizes individuals whose advocacy, courage, trust-building, persistence, and sustained commitment to service delivery have made a significant difference in promoting polio education, immunization, and prevention”, the award letter reads.
Kipchumba, a member of Parliament for persons living with disabilities, has been at the forefront of the fight against the deadly disease, promoting childhood immunization and the integration of persons living with disabilities. He is the Polio and Immunisation Ambassador to the Kenyan Parliament, where he mobilizes efforts to educate the general population on immunization and builds public confidence in the vaccine.
The MP will be celebrated on October 24, 2026, in an event themed World Polio Day – an annual campaign dedicated to immunization efforts and raising awareness of the disease. World Polio Day, an international event held every year on October 24, commemorates Dr. Jonas Salk’s birth and promotes awareness of polio’s impact and eradication progress worldwide.
The RCWDA is an international rotary club that rallies around disability advocacy and inclusion, primarily focusing on persons living with disabilities, polio, and its impact on the affected and their families.
Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system.
It causes fever and paralysis, mostly in young children, and there is no cure for it. However, it is preventable through immunization, among other ways. Kipchumba’s award is a reminder of the commitment of immunization advocates all over the world and the determination of persons living with disabilities who fight to be included in the mainstream and access health services without discrimination.