The Ministry of Health of Kenya on Thursday launched a measles-rubella vaccination campaign in the wake of an outbreak reported across six counties.
The ten-day campaign will be conducted across seven counties of Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa, Nairobi, Turkana, Mandera, and West Pokot.
The exercise targets 1.2 million children aged between 9 to 59 months.
Speaking in Garissa County during the launch of the campaign, Principal Secretary State Department for medical services engineer Peter Tum who was representing Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, urged the public, parents, and guardians to ensure their children receive an additional dose of Measles-Rubella vaccine during the campaign so that they are protected against the disease and its serious effects.
“Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, which affects mostly children and those below 5 years who are the most at risk of severe disease or even death.
The vaccine will protect against Rubella disease which resembles measles,” said Tum.
He said the vaccine will be delivered through in-fixed and temporary-fixed outreach posts supported by UNHCR, Gavi, and UNICEF. He added that the government was determined to improve mother and child conditions. He observed that the number of children who die young had reduced due to immunization and improved health services.
“The Ministry of Health, in line with the Afra Bora Mashinani initiative, is keen to ensure that primary health care services reach those who need them in good time. The Ministry is committed to supporting devolution and collaborating with counties to make this a reality,” added Tum.
At the same time, Tum urged families and communities, county governments, partners, and all stakeholders to adhere to public health measures, including washing hands, vaccination, and maintaining proper sanitation to mitigate the spread of cholera diseases.
“Cholera outbreak has also affected ten (10) counties: Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Uasin-Gishu, Kajiado, Murang’a, Machakos, Garissa , Meru and Nyeri. I take this opportunity to remind us of the measures that we need to put in place including hand washing, proper sanitation and to encourage anyone with persistent diarrhoea to visit the nearest health facility,” Tum urged.
According to UNICEF Country Representative Anselme Motcho, measles, which is one of the worst contagious diseases, remains a threat, with the risk having increased significantly in the wake of Covid-19 disease and conflicts that have disrupted routine vaccination even as he pledged his organization’s commitment to supporting the Kenyan government delivers its health agenda.
