Kakamega: The County Government of Kakamega is aiming to vaccinate 1.1 million children as part of a national vaccination campaign against Measles, Rubella (MR), and Typhoid diseases. Health workers are currently administering the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine to children aged between nine months and five years and the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) to those aged between nine months and 14 years.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the launch of the vaccination campaign at Kakamega General Hospital, County Executive Committee Member for Health, Livingstone Imbayi, urged parents to ensure their children receive the vaccines. "For MR disease, we are targeting to vaccinate over 231,000 children and slightly over 800,000 children for Typhoid fever," Imbayi stated.
He emphasized that health workers are trained to administer the vaccines and will be reaching out to children in schools, churches, and other designated places. The vaccination exercise will continue in health facilities beyond the initial 10-day period, allowing parents to bring their children for vaccination even after this timeframe.
Imbayi reassured parents about the safety of the vaccines, highlighting their importance in protecting children from diseases that lead to high mortality rates. "Our healthcare workers are well trained for this exercise, so before they administer the vaccination, they will examine the child first and offer appropriate advice to parents," he noted.
Kakamega County Immunisation Coordinator Robert Chisaka mentioned the county's goal to exceed 100 percent vaccination rates to ensure comprehensive protection for all children. He reflected on the previous year's achievement, where 82.9 percent of children were vaccinated, and stressed the importance of reaching every child to prevent diseases that significantly impact child mortality.
Olga Nyanjom, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Kenya Programme Associate, confirmed their logistical and technical support to the Ministry of Health to reach all sub-counties. "We will be on the ground for the 10 days, providing this particular support to ensure that the county reaches its target of 1.1 million children, and we are looking forward to a successful campaign as per the details that have been provided by the health authorities in the county," she stated.