MoH Launches Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign

In response to an outbreak that was identified in six counties, the Ministry of Health started a measles-rubella vaccination program on Thursday.

The goal of the ten-day vaccination campaign, which will be carried out in the counties of Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa, Nairobi, Turkana, Mandera, and West Pokot, is to immunize 1.2 million children between the ages of 9 and 59 months.

PS State Department for Medical Services Engineer Peter Tum, who was representing Health CS, spoke in Garissa County at the campaign's launch. Susan Nakhumicha pleaded with the general populace, parents, and guardians to make sure their kids get additional doses of the measles and rubella vaccine.

"Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects children and those under the age of five, who are most at risk of developing serious illness or perhaps passing away.” Engineer Tum noted that the vaccination will provide protection against Rubella, a condition that resembles the measles.

The vaccination will be distributed via in-fixed posts and temporary-fixed outreach posts backed by UNHCR, Gavi, and UNICEF, according to PS Eng. Tum.

The PS noted that the number of children who die early had decreased as a result of immunization and improved health services and stated that the government is determined to enhance mother and child circumstances.

According to the PS, "The Ministry of Health is keen to guarantee that primary health care services reach those who need them in time and we are committed to supporting devolution and partnering with counties to make this a reality." This is in keeping with the Afra Bora Mashinani plan.

Following the reported measles outbreak in 6 counties (Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit, Nairobi, Turkana, and Wajir), the campaign was launched.