Wamuzi News Ke
In an unprecedented public health initiative, Kenya’s Ministry of Health has announced the completion of its largest-ever vaccination campaign, reaching over 21 million children in a nationwide drive aimed at curbing outbreaks of typhoid and measles.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed that 16.1 million children aged 9 months to 14 years received the life-saving typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV), while 5.18 million children between 9 and 59 months were immunized against measles and rubella.
Unprecedented Coverage and Outreach
- Typhoid coverage soared to an estimated 84% nationally, while measles-rubella coverage hit 81%, signaling strong population immunity.
- Remarkably, more than 74,000 “zero-dose” children—those who had never before received any routine immunizations—were successfully reached.
Why It Matters
Typhoid, driven largely by drug-resistant Salmonella Typhi, continues to pose a major threat—Kenya records roughly 126,000 cases and 1,500 deaths annually, predominantly in children under 15.
And measles, a leading global killer in young children, has resurged especially in the wake of COVID-19-related immunization gaps.
Strategic Integration & National Impact
This campaign is part of Kenya’s broader Big Catch-Up strategy, intended to recover ground lost during the pandemic.
For the first time, TCV has been embedded into the country’s routine immunization schedule, ensuring continuous protection at 9 months of age alongside other vaccines.
Voices from the Frontlines
CS Duale emphasized the importance of the effort:
“With drug-resistant typhoid on the rise, we must act fast and decisively to protect our children.”
Local health officials praised the campaign’s reach into schools, markets, places of worship, and remote communities, noting that teams also conducted door-to-door visits to ensure no child was left unprotected.
What Comes Next
- Routine rollout: TCV is now a staple in the national immunization program, enhancing long-term disease control.
- Herd immunity: Expanding vaccine coverage reduces pathogen circulation and helps prevent future outbreaks.
- Equity gains: By targeting zero-dose children, the initiative addresses long-standing coverage gaps across vulnerable communities.
Public Appeal & Urgency
As frontline efforts wind down, health officials are urging caregivers to take advantage of mop-up days and remaining outreach sessions. With full coverage still not reached in several counties, every vaccine administered could save lives and prevent further disease spread.
This campaign marks a historic milestone for Kenya’s healthcare system, underscoring the nation’s commitment to ending preventable childhood diseases and building stronger health resilience.
