NAIROBI, July 3 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya’s Ministry of Health has launched a 10-day integrated vaccination campaign targeting measles, rubella and typhoid to protect over 15 million children.
The immunisation drive, scheduled to run from July 5 to 14 nationwide comes amid a surge in antimicrobial-resistant typhoid cases. Children under the age of 15 are the most affected, with those under five at the highest risk of severe illness and death.
The Ministry of Health has also raised concerns about the growing spread of drug-resistant typhoid, attributing it to factors such as climate change and urbanisation, which it warns are compounding the threat.
“Vaccination has proven to be a powerful tool in stopping this disease”, said Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale, noting that Typhoid and Measles-Rubella (MR) are dangerous, yet preventable diseases threatening the health and lives of our children.
At the same time, the Cabinet Secretary has revealed that measles outbreaks have been confirmed in 18 counties, with 2,949 cases and 18 deaths reported between January 2024 and February 2025.
He regretted that poor uptake of the second dose of the MR vaccine at 18 months has left many children dangerously exposed.
In response, the Ministry, with support from partners and counties, will conduct a targeted Supplementary Immunisation Activity (SIA).
Children aged 9 to 59 months will receive the Measles-Rubella vaccine, while those up to 14 years old will be given the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV). — NNN-KBC
