Murang’a County is set to launch a 10-day mass vaccination campaign targeting over 440,000 children against Measles-Rubella (MR) and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV).
The exercise, which runs from July 5 to July 14, is part of a nationwide initiative by the Ministry of Health aimed at curbing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases among children.
Speaking during a stakeholders meeting held ahead of the rollout slated on Saturday, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation, Dr. Fredrick Mbugua, said the county was fully prepared to implement the campaign and meet its ambitious targets.
“All preparations are ready in Murang’a County to roll out the nationwide vaccination campaign against Measles-Rubella and Typhoid Conjugate,” said Dr. Mbugua. In Murang’a, we are targeting more than 108,000 children for the measles vaccine and over 332,000 for the typhoid vaccine, making an estimated total of 441,000 children in the 10-day period,” he added.
Dr. Mbugua noted that children aged nine months to 59 months will receive the Measles-Rubella vaccine, while those aged nine months to 14 years will be vaccinated against typhoid.
He also made a passionate appeal to community leaders, the clergy, and the media to help fight vaccine misinformation.
“We are calling upon the media, religious leaders, and county administrative officers to support our community health workers in creating awareness and removing the misinformation surrounding the vaccines. The success of this campaign depends on our collective responsibility,” Dr Mbugua remarked.
The county Coordinator of Nursing Services Ms. Salome Kimani, echoed the urgency of the campaign, especially given the gaps in measles immunization and rising typhoid cases.
Ms. Kimani noted that during the Covid-19 period, many children missed various immunizations thus the need for the campaign.
“Our measles immunization coverage currently stands at 88 percent, but our target is 95 percent,” she explained, adding, “For typhoid, we have recorded many cases, even among children. It’s a wake-up call for us to act fast and vaccinate as many children as possible, particularly the young ones.”
She emphasized that the campaign provides a vital opportunity to boost public immunity and prevent future outbreaks, especially in areas where vaccine coverage remains low.
On matters of outreach and mobilization, Diana Chege, a Health Promotion Officer, highlighted the strategic partnerships the county has built to ensure success. “In terms of advocacy, we are working closely with the Ministry of Education to allow our vaccinators access to schools,” she said.
Chege added that the county’s health department is conducting mobilization in ECDE centers, primary schools, churches, and marketplaces, and is also employing door-to-door visits to ensure no child is left behind.
The vaccines will be administered free of charge at designated sites, including public and private schools, health facilities, mobile outreach posts, and temporary booths in high-traffic areas.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to bring their children to the nearest vaccination point. Although presenting a health card is recommended, it is not a requirement for receiving the vaccines.
By Bernard Munyao
