Murang'a: Murang'a County is set to launch a 10-day mass vaccination campaign targeting over 440,000 children against Measles-Rubella (MR) and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV). The exercise, which runs from July 5 to July 14, is part of a nationwide initiative by the Ministry of Health aimed at curbing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases among children.
According to Kenya News Agency, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation, Dr. Fredrick Mbugua, stated that the county was fully prepared to implement the campaign and meet its ambitious targets. Dr. Mbugua emphasized that in Murang'a, more than 108,000 children are targeted for the measles vaccine and over 332,000 for the typhoid vaccine, making an estimated total of 441,000 children during the 10-day period.
Dr. Mbugua explained that children aged nine months to 59 months will receive the Measles-Rubella vaccine, while those aged nine months to 14 years will be vaccinated against typhoid. He also called on community leaders, the clergy, and the media to help combat vaccine misinformation, noting that the success of the campaign depends on collective responsibility.
The county Coordinator of Nursing Services, Ms. Salome Kimani, highlighted the urgency of the campaign due to gaps in measles immunization and rising typhoid cases. Ms. Kimani pointed out that the measles immunization coverage stands at 88 percent, with a target of 95 percent, and stressed the need to act swiftly to vaccinate as many children as possible.
Diana Chege, a Health Promotion Officer, detailed the strategic partnerships the county has established for outreach and mobilization. She noted that the county is working closely with the Ministry of Education to access schools and conducting mobilization efforts in ECDE centers, primary schools, churches, and marketplaces. Door-to-door visits are also part of the strategy to ensure no child is left behind.
The vaccines will be administered free of charge at designated sites, including public and private schools, health facilities, mobile outreach posts, and temporary booths in high-traffic areas. Parents and guardians are encouraged to bring their children to the nearest vaccination point, with or without a health card.