NAIROBI, July 16 (NNN-KBC) — 16 million children have been vaccinated against typhoid in the nationwide immunisation campaign, which ended Tuesday.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the successful conclusion of the Measles-Rubella (MR) and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) campaign, which began on July 5.
“The ambitious 10-day exercise, one of the largest of its kind in Kenya’s history, recorded an overwhelmingly positive response across the country”, he said.
According to the health ministry, the campaign reached over 16.1 million children with the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), achieving 84% national coverage, and over 5.18 million children with the Measles-Rubella vaccine, representing 81% coverage against the national target.
Significantly, over 74,000 zero-dose children those who had never received any routine immunization have been vaccinated.
Additionally, the Typhoid Vaccine will now be available in all health facilities, free of charge.
The Ministry attributed the success of the campaign to the dedication of health workers, the Ministry of Education and partners.
“The Ministry extends its deepest gratitude to parents, caregivers, health workers, county governments, media, and strategic partners; Gavi the vaccine Alliance, WHO, UNICEF, PATH, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Red Cross, AMREF, Polio Core group and the County Governments whose collective efforts made the campaign a success. The Ministry of Education facilitated smooth access to schools”, he said.
Further, Duale warned against misinformation and urged Kenyans to seek credible information.
“We urge all Kenyans to seek information about vaccines from trusted and credible sources and support routine immunization in their communities. Together, we can ensure that every child in Kenya grows up healthy, protected, and ready to thrive”, he advised. — NNN-KBC
