Bomet County has officially launched a countywide immunisation campaign targeting Measles, Rubella, and Typhoid.
The county joins the rest of the nation in an integrated vaccination exercise aimed at protecting children from preventable but deadly diseases.
The launch event was commissioned at the Bomet Town Health Centre and marked the beginning of a 10-day vaccination drive that will run from July 5 to 14, 2025, across all public health facilities in the county.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok called upon all parents and guardians to present their children for the life-saving vaccines.
“This vaccination campaign is a critical step towards securing the future health of our children. I urge all parents to take this opportunity and bring their children to the nearest health facility. These are preventable diseases, and no child should suffer because of inaction,” said Governor Barchok.
According to the county health department, children aged between 9 and 59 months will receive the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, while those up to 14 years will be vaccinated with the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV).
Dr. Joseph Sitonik, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services, emphasised the county’s commitment to improving child health outcomes, stating that with the help of Community Health promoters every child at every corner of the county will be vaccinated.
“We are working to achieve over 95 per cent vaccination coverage during this campaign. This integrated approach will help us reach more children with fewer resources and ensure no child is left behind,” Dr. Sitonik stated.
Over 100,000 children aged between 9 months to 14 years in Bomet county are earmarked for vaccination against measles, rubella and typhoid this season.
Also present at the launch was Stephen Changmorik, Chairperson of the Bomet County Assembly Health Committee, who assured residents of continued support from the county assembly in strengthening health systems and supporting such public health initiatives.
Representing the national government, Dr. Vicky Koske from the National Vaccines and Immunisation Programme (NVIP) urged parents not only to bring their children for the vaccine but also to register under the government’s Social Health Authority (SHA) system.
“This is a free government programme, and we encourage all residents to make use of it. But, registering under SHA ensures that you and your children continue receiving quality healthcare now and in the future,” Dr. Koske said.
Sarah Chepkwony, the lead representative from HJFMRI, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to partnering with both national and county governments in advancing health access.
“We are proud to partner with Bomet County in this noble cause. Every child deserves a healthy start in life, and immunisation remains one of the most cost-effective health interventions,” she said.
The exercise is supported by the national government through the State Department for Health and development partners, including the Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI), and the Bomet immunisation campaign is expected to reach thousands of children before its conclusion on July 14.
Health officials advise residents to visit their nearest public health facility for more information and services.
By Nickson Terer and Noel Chelangat
