Health

Ministry of Health launches distribution of 8 million children's vaccines

Over 8 million doses of childhood vaccines arrive at the Kitengela Central Vaccine Store in Kajiado County on June 6, 2024. Photo; X/MOH_Kenya

By Lucy Mumbi | Friday, June 7, 2024

To ensure stable vaccine supplies, the ministry is exploring innovative financing options and engaging the National Treasury for increased resource allocation to the immunisation programme.

The Ministry of Health has successfully procured eight million critical vaccines for children, addressing the recent national shortage.

The vaccines, valued at Sh1.25 billion, include 1.2 million doses of BCG and three million doses of polio, diphtheria, and tetanus vaccines.

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Principal Secretary of the State Department for Medical Services Harry Kimtai, received the shipment on Thursday at the Kitengela cold chain facility and confirmed that distribution will commence on Friday, June 7, 2024.

"As you are aware the country has had a shortage of different types of childhood vaccines, however, this matter is now behind us because we have procured additional vaccines worth Sh1.25 billion. Today, I am here to receive them officially and assure the country that we have sufficient vaccines for our children. Starting Monday, Kenyans should take their children for vaccination," Kimtai said.

He further directed the immediate distribution of the vaccines to other stores, so that those in need could get them.

"I have ordered our team here to start the distribution effective from tomorrow and over the weekend. On Monday all the facilities will be equipped with the vaccines, ready to commence vaccination. All the vaccines that are meant for vaccinations have been received and therefore, there should be no worry," he said.

Over 8 million doses of childhood vaccines arrive at the Kitengela Central Vaccine Store in Kajiado County on June 6, 2024. Photo; X/MOH_Kenya

The depots are in Meru, Nyeri, Nairobi, Mombasa, Kakamega, Garissa, and Eldoret.

Nairobi, Meru, Nakuru, and Nyeri regional depots will receive immunisations today, followed by Mombasa on Monday.

The vaccines will be sent to the regional depots in Kisumu and Kakamega on Tuesday of next week, and then to Garissa and Eldoret on Wednesday.

Kimtai urged healthcare workers to collaborate with community health teams to ensure children who missed vaccinations catch up on their immunisation schedules.

"Caregivers are also encouraged to bring their children to health facilities for immunisation as vaccine supplies have normalised," Kimtai said.

The ministry expressed gratitude to Gavi for its support over the years and committed to a smooth transition as Kenya works towards full self-financing by 2030.

Gavi, an international organisation established in 2000, aims to improve access to new and underused vaccines for children in the world's poorest countries.

To ensure stable vaccine supplies, the ministry is exploring innovative financing options and engaging the National Treasury for increased resource allocation to the immunisation programme.