NAIROBI, June 12 (NNN-KBC) — The Kenyan government has received a three million consignment of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccines at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to boost routine immunization.
Speaking when receiving the consignment, Principal Secretary Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga noted that the arrival of the BCG vaccines is timely and critical for sustaining Kenya’s routine immunization programme, particularly in protecting newborns and young children against tuberculosis (TB).
“The vaccines, delivered with the support of UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), come at a critical time to replenish national stocks and sustain Kenya’s routine immunization programme,” he noted.
Oluga confirmed that distribution to counties will begin immediately to ensure uninterrupted protection of newborns and young children against tuberculosis.“This delivery underscores the Ministry’s commitment to vaccine security and equitable access across all regions” the PS said.
Dr. Oluga received the shipment alongside representatives from UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO) who are key partners in the procurement and delivery of essential vaccines.
He was accompanied by Dr. Bashir Issak, Head of the Directorate of Family Health, and Dr. Rose Jalango, Head of the National Vaccines and Immunization Programme (NVIP), along with senior officials from the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and WHO.
On Friday, the PS assured the country that no child will miss a single dose of any vaccine citing the Zero-Dose Catch-Up Mechanism that is already established and operational under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
In a statement Dr. Oluga highlighted pressing concerns over low stock levels for key childhood vaccines, including BCG (Tuberculosis) and Polio, both with only two weeks of supply remaining, and Rota Virus Vaccine, with a month’s stock left.
“The Ministry reassures all Kenyans that no child will miss a single dose of any vaccine, thanks to the Zero-Dose Catch-Up Mechanism established and operational under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).” — NNN-KBC
