Nairobi, KENYA Kenya’s national immunisation programme has received a significant boost with the flag-off of 6.2 million vaccine doses, comprising 3 million doses of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine for tuberculosis prevention and 3.2 million doses of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). The event took place at Afya House in Nairobi and marks a renewed effort to ensure immunisation coverage is restored and enhanced across the country.
The delivery of these vaccines is intended to reinforce ongoing immunisation efforts, especially in remote and underserved regions, where access to essential healthcare remains limited. County governments are expected to swiftly collect the vaccines from regional depots and distribute them to health facilities without delay.
The Ministry of Health has emphasised the need for full county participation and accountability, urging County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) for Health and other local authorities to coordinate efforts at the grassroots level. The timely distribution and administration of these vaccines are seen as vital steps in reducing preventable childhood illnesses and deaths.
The mobilisation of these vaccines also represents Kenya’s continuing commitment to immunisation as a cornerstone of primary healthcare and child survival strategies. With recent global supply challenges and localised disruptions affecting routine immunisation schedules, this delivery helps restore vaccine availability and offers renewed confidence in public health systems.
Support from immunisation partners has played a critical role in the timely procurement and delivery of these essential vaccines. Close collaboration among stakeholders remains essential to avoid future disruptions and maintain the immunisation momentum.
Healthcare professionals across the country are now being called upon to prepare for an increased influx of caregivers and children at health facilities. There is an added emphasis on reaching children who may have missed routine vaccinations due to previous stockouts or other barriers to access.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take their children to the nearest health centres to ensure they receive all required vaccines, especially for tuberculosis and polio, both of which remain key public health concerns. Timely immunisation is crucial in preventing disease outbreaks and ensuring long-term community health resilience.
The Ministry is also reinforcing public awareness efforts to educate communities on the importance of routine vaccinations, particularly in light of declining coverage during recent years. Community health workers and local leaders are expected to play a key role in mobilising caregivers and ensuring high uptake.
This initiative is expected to accelerate Kenya’s journey toward achieving national immunisation targets and universal health coverage, safeguarding future generations against preventable diseases. The consignment serves as a strong signal of renewed focus, coordination, and investment in child health and public wellbeing.
