Govt Warns of Possible Disease Outbreak in Children; Here’s What to Do

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has warned that there could be a possible outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases especially on children across the country. 

In a statement, the Susan Nakhumicha led ministry has announced that it was experiencing a shortage in vaccines, revealing that there is only a two-to-six-month stock remaining. 

Additionally, MoH explained that there was less than two months stock for BCG Vaccine, Oral Polio Vaccine, and Measles Rubella Vaccine.

At the same time, the ministry only has three-to-six-month stock of other routine childhood vaccines, including Pneumococcal, Rotavirus, HPV, and Malaria vaccines. 

“We are aware of reports of vaccine shortages of routine antigens across health facilities in the country. Currently, there are stockouts of key vaccines, with less than two months of stock available nationally for traditional vaccines such as the BCG Vaccine, Oral Polio Vaccine, and Measles Rubella Vaccine.

“Additionally, stock levels for most other routine childhood vaccines, including those supported by Gavi (Pneumococcal, Rotavirus, HPV, and Malaria vaccines), are low, with only three to six months of stock available,” Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai said in a statement.

However, the ministry stated that it was committed to ensuring a consistent and uninterrupted supply of vaccines.

Also Read: Malaria Vaccine, a New Hope for Many Africans

Ministry of Health on Action Taken Over Shortage

Furthermore, the ministry stated that it was facilitating the redistribution of vaccines between counties to alleviate the stock-out situation and ensure that children do not miss their vaccination. 

Also, the Ministry of Health has set aside Ksh1.25 billion to urgently procure routine antigens. It is also engaging UNICEF to expedite the delivery of vaccines ordered after the last payment as well as 

“As an urgent stop-gap measure, the National Vaccines and Immunization Program (NVIP) is redistributing current stocks of available routine vaccines across the country to ensure eligible children do not miss vaccinations during this critical period.

“Despite logistical challenges from the current heavy rains, the Ministry and partners are fast- tracking the shipment of vaccines, expected to arrive by the first week of June 2024,” explained Kimtai.

Also Read: Ministry of Health Rolls Out First Ever Cholera Vaccine

Directive to Parents and Caregivers

The ministry urged parents and caregivers to stay in communication with healthcare providers and bring their children to hospitals for immunization once the stock levels have normalized. 

“We understand the importance of maintaining an uninterrupted supply of vaccines and are taking every necessary step to address the current stock challenges. Our goal is to ensure that all Kenyans have access to life-saving vaccines and to maintain high immunization coverage across the country,” MoH said. 

Earlier, health advocates under the umbrella of Health NGO Network (HENNET) raised concern over the vaccine shortage and wrote a letter to the ministry over the alarm. 

“We write to bring to your attention a matter of urgent concern regarding the potential outbreak of measles and reported vaccine stock-outs in various regions of Kenya,” reads a section of the letter written by Hennet, addressed to the Ministry of Health.

“There have been alarming reports of vaccine stock-outs and shortage of some routine immunization antigens such as BCG, Rota and Oral Polio Vaccine and measles in various health facilities, “the letter read in part. 

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