Uasin Gishu: In a move to protect children's health and curb the spread of preventable diseases, the Uasin Gishu County government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is set to vaccinate more than 567,000 children in an upcoming countywide immunization drive. The initiative, under the National Supplemental Immunization Program, will focus on administering the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) and Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccines to children across the six sub-counties.
According to Kenya News Agency, the campaign aims to vaccinate 430,017 children against typhoid and 137,127 against measles-rubella, in what officials describe as a strategic move to reduce childhood illnesses and fatalities. 'This campaign is more than just a health mandate. It's a life-saving intervention for our children and a step toward building stronger, healthier communities,' said Joshua Masai, the County Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Coordinator, during a sub-county training session in preparation for the rollout. He emphasized that immunity within the community begins with comprehensive coverage among the most vulnerable population who are children.
Dr. Evans Kiprotich, the County Director of Health, stated that thorough planning had been done to ensure a smooth and effective rollout. 'Our health teams have been trained and resourced. We are ready to reach every child, from the most remote villages to urban centers,' he noted during a sub-county sensitization session.
The breakdown of targeted children per sub-county includes Turbo with 130,499 (98,758 TCV | 31,741 MR), Soy with 120,519 (92,170 TCV | 28,349 MR), Kapseret with 94,754 (70,994 TCV | 23,760 MR), Moiben with 85,868 (64,344 TCV | 21,524 MR), Kesses with 68,570 (52,753 TCV | 15,817 MR), and Ainabkoi with 66,934 (50,998 TCV | 15,936 MR).
Deputy Director of Nursing, Betty Chirchir, urged caregivers to ensure that all eligible children are brought to vaccination centers, emphasizing that services will be provided respectfully and confidentially. 'No child should miss this opportunity. We are ready to serve with dignity and care,' said Betty.
Representing the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. David Rotich warned against the dangers of delaying childhood immunizations, pointing out that timely vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing complications and long-term health issues.
The immunization campaign will be conducted between 4th and 13th July 2025, with vaccination points set up in health facilities and strategic outreach sites across the county. As Uasin Gishu gears up for this health milestone, officials are calling on community leaders, parents, and partners to rally behind the initiative emphasizing that the health of a community begins with its children.