Kenya has successfully concluded a nationwide immunization campaign that reached over 5.18 million children with the Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccine. Among those vaccinated, 74,000 were zero-dose children, meaning they had never received any vaccine before. This milestone represents 81 percent of the country’s MR vaccination target, highlighting significant progress in extending healthcare to underserved populations.
The 10-day campaign, which began on July 5 and ended on July 15, focused on ensuring that no child was left behind. Special attention was given to reaching vulnerable groups in remote and marginalized areas, a challenge that has historically affected immunization coverage.
In addition to the MR vaccine, the campaign also introduced and administered the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) on a large scale. Approximately 16.1 million children were vaccinated against typhoid, translating to 84 percent of the national target. This is a notable increase from the 12.1 million doses reported just two days before the campaign’s conclusion, demonstrating an impressive surge in outreach and mobilization efforts.
The availability of the typhoid vaccine will now be extended to all immunizing health facilities across the country free of charge, ensuring that children who missed the campaign can still access protection. This integration into routine immunization programs is expected to further boost coverage and protect communities from preventable diseases.
The campaign’s success has been attributed to strong collaboration between government bodies, health workers, development partners, and community networks. Door-to-door mobilization, social awareness drives, and targeted outreach to hard-to-reach areas were key strategies in ensuring wide coverage.
Health officials emphasized the importance of sustained efforts to keep immunization rates high and warned against the spread of misinformation that can undermine vaccine confidence. They reiterated that vaccines are safe, effective, and scientifically proven to save lives.
The campaign marks a significant step forward in Kenya’s broader public health agenda, which aims to eliminate measles and reduce typhoid cases nationwide. By reaching millions of children, including those who had never received any vaccine, the initiative not only prevents immediate outbreaks but also strengthens the country’s progress toward universal health coverage.
As Kenya builds on this momentum, the focus will remain on maintaining routine immunization services, countering misinformation, and ensuring that every child, regardless of location or circumstance, receives life-saving vaccines.
