Health

Governors raise red flag over vaccine shortage, warn children's lives at risk

A health worker prepares a vaccine during the launch of the Malaria vaccine in Ndhiwa, Homabay County on September 13, 2019. (Photo: AFP)

By Barack Oduor | Tuesday, May 21, 2024

The governors listed shortages of essential vaccines routinely given out to newborns and children under five, including polio (OPV & IPV), BCG (for tuberculosis), MR (measles rubella), rotavirus and tetanus-diphtheria vaccines.

Worrying shortages of essential vaccines in public health facilities countrywide could pose health risks to children who depend on them for vaccination.

The acute shortage has placed the Ministry of Health (MoH) under pressure to quickly act.

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Governors have raised the concern through a letter addressed to Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha. The county chiefs raised concern over the depletion of essential vaccines in the 47 counties for the past three months.

Council of Governors (CoG) Chairperson Anne Waiguru urged the government to quickly respond to the concerns raised.

"Vaccines play a pivotal role in healthcare by effectively preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. Their provision not only reduces mortality rates but also safeguards vulnerable populations, minimises healthcare expenditures, and contributes significantly to the overall well-being of citizens," reads part of the letter seen by The Eastleigh Voice.

The governors listed shortages of essential vaccines routinely given out to newborns and children under five, including polio (OPV & IPV), BCG (for tuberculosis), MR (measles rubella), rotavirus and tetanus-diphtheria vaccines.

Procurement

Reports indicate that the ministry last procured the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertus) vaccine 10 months ago. The BCG vaccine, which is given to prevent tuberculosis, has not been procured in eight months.

Recognising the dire shortage and the need for it to be addressed, MoH announced that it has adopted a multi-pronged approach to deal with the matter.

"As an urgent stopgap measure, the Ministry of Health, through the National Vaccines and Immunisation Program (NVIP) has been working to redistribute current stocks... so that eligible children do not miss vaccination during this critical period," read a statement from the ministry.

The ministry also explained that it has set aside Sh250 million to hasten the procurement of routine antigens and restock critical vaccines. Additionally, it has ensured quick shipment of vaccines that are expected in Kenya by the first week of June.

The revelation that the government has failed to procure critical vaccines for nearly a year is alarming as the consequences could be devastating. Approximately 1.6 million infants and a similar number of expectant mothers, as well as some 750,000 girls under the age of 10, could miss critical vaccinations.