The County Government of Uasin Gishu has started preparations for the upcoming nationwide vaccination campaign targeting Measles-Rubella (MR) and Typhoid Conjugate vaccines.
Under these campaign, the Ministry of Health is targeting to immunise over 7.5 million children aged 9 to 59 months with the MR vaccine and 19.2 million children aged 9 months to 14 years with the typhoid conjugate vaccine.
The goal is to reach at least 95 per cent MR coverage and 80 per cent typhoid coverage.
Speaking during the trainer of trainers training and microplanning meeting for the sub-county teams, Uasin Gishu Director of Health Services Dr Evans Kiprotich said typhoid remains a serious public health threat, especially for children under 15.
“It’s even more serious for those under fives. With rising antimicrobial resistance and poor water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, this vaccine is not just timely-it’s essential,” Dr Kiprotich said.
When was the last time Kenya conducted Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign?
Kenya’s last nationwide Measles-Rubella campaign was conducted in 2016. Since then, over 6.1 million children have become susceptible, raising the risk of outbreaks amid stagnating vaccine coverage currently at just 80 percent for both MR1 and 60 percent for MR2 doses.
The campaign aims to close that gap, increase immunity, and break transmission chains. With seroconversion rates after the first MR dose averaging only 85%, experts emphasize the urgency of achieving and maintaining high coverage.
“This is a critical step toward protecting our children and preventing future outbreaks,” added Dr. Kiprotich.
County EPI Coordinator Joshua Masai noted that the nationwide rollout is expected to commence on July 4th and runs upto July 13th.
He urged parents and caregivers to take their children for vaccination and support the drive toward a healthier, outbreak-free Kenya.
