The nationwide vaccination campaign against Typhoid and Measles-Rubella is in full gear in Kiambu County, targeting thousands of children in an effort to curb the spread of preventable childhood diseases.
The drive, which begins on July 5 and runs until July 14, 2025, targets two groups: children aged 9 months to 14 years for the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) and those aged 9 to 59 months for the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine.
The campaign is spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Kiambu County Government, and is being conducted in public and private schools, health facilities, and temporary outreach posts.
Speaking during the rollout at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital, Kiambu Sub-County Nutritionist Faith Munoru emphasised the importance of full immunisation coverage in the county.
“Typhoid and measles remain significant threats, especially in areas with dense populations and limited sanitation infrastructure. Our goal is to reach every eligible child with safe, effective vaccines,” she stated.
According to Munoru, they target approximately 14000 children for the MR vaccine and more than 45000 children for the typhoid vaccine.
She said outreach teams are also visiting markets, churches, and remote villages to reach children outside school systems.
Community Health Promoter Joyce Mwangi, who has been working closely with public health officers to mobilise parents, said that local health units have seen a promising turnout. “We’ve had good cooperation from parents and schools. Most children are being brought in or reached directly at school, which is helping us cover more ground,” she said.
Public health officers are urging parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated before the campaign closes.
The Ministry of Health has assured the public that the vaccines are free, safe, and critical in preventing disease outbreaks.
With schools, health workers, and the community working hand in hand, Kiambu County is optimistic about achieving high coverage rates and protecting children from life-threatening infections.
By Vivian Makungu
