Kenya through the ministry of Health has launched a National integrated immunization campaign aimed at protecting millions of children against Measles Rubella and Typhoid. The campaign is set to run from 5th July to 14th July across all 47 counties.
Speaking at the launch in Nairobi, Director General Ministry of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth highlighted the importance of the campaign in securing the health of children. “Today’s campaign is more than health intervention. It is a bold commitment to our children’s future. A shared investment in health and equity and prosperity for generations.”
Kenya has over 100,000 typhoid cases annually, it mostly affects people living in informal settlements especially children. The newly introduced Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) is set to protect this vulnerable populations with the ministry hoping to vaccinate 15 million children.
“Typhoid fever remains a persistent and entirely preventable burden” said Dr. Amoth “it affects children and communities without clean water and sanitation. This vaccine marks a turning point with just a single dose, the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) will provide up to five years of protection. It is safe, effective, and tailored for the young population most at risk.”
TCV will be integrated into routine immunization program after this vaccination campaign.
Speaking during the same meeting, Dr. Rose Jalang’o, Head of National Vaccines and Immunization Program (NVIP), insisted on the importance of full vaccine coverage to provide proper immunityas the country lags behind on second dose coverage at 60%. This is below the World Health Organization’s recommended 95% threshold needed to interrupt transmission.
“Our first dose coverage is at 83%, and the second dose is at 60%. This leaves many children vulnerable and explains the sporadic outbreaks we have witnessed,” Dr. Jalang’o noted
During the National Campaign, children between 9 months and 59 months are the primary target for the measles-rubella vaccine. For the newly introduced typhoid conjugate vaccine, the target group includes all children aged 9 months to 14 years.
The campaign a new vaccine for Typhoid to combat the increased of antibiotic resistance.
“Typhoid is a serious problem in Kenya, and many of us have either been diagnosed with or treated for it. This overuse of antibiotics increases the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Vaccination offers a safe and effective solution,” she added.
The national launch will take place in Nairobi on July 5, with county-level launches happening concurrently across the country.
The National Vaccination campaign is supported by partners including Gavi,The Vaccine Alliance. WHO, UNICEF, and CHAI, and aims to build on Kenya’s commitment to universal health coverage and disease prevention.
