The Ministry of Health (MoH) has allocated Ksh1.25 billion to urgently procure routine childhood vaccines, including BCG, Oral Polio, Tetanus-Diphtheria, and Measles Rubella.
In a statement, the State Department of Medical Services said the vaccines had reached critically low levels in the country.
“Following recent media reports on vaccine shortages in the country, the Ministry of Health has taken urgent steps to address the issue and ensure our children remain protected from vaccine-preventable diseases,” the statement read in part.
“As of today, we are pleased to announce the receipt of the following vaccines:1,209,500 doses Measles Rubella vaccines, 3,032,000 doses Oral Polio Vaccines (bOPV), 1,000,000 doses Tetanus-Diptheria vaccines and 3,129,000 doses BCG vaccines.”
Vaccines Processing & Distribution
The Department said the received vaccines are currently being processed for urgent distribution to the nine regional vaccine stores across the country.
To expedite this process, MoH has engaged additional refrigerated trucks to ensure the lifesaving vaccines reach health facilities and communities by the second week of June 2024.
“As the vaccines begin arriving at our facilities, we call on our healthcare workers to collaborate with community health teams to ensure all children who missed vaccinations return to the facilities and catch up on their immunization schedule,” the Department said.
“We also urge all caregivers to bring their children back to the facilities for immunization as vaccine supply has now normalized in the country.”
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Treasury & Other Partners
MoH said it will continue engaging the National Treasury to ensure increased and dedicated resources are allocated to the immunization program and thereby ensuring stable vaccine supplies.
“Ring-fencing domestic resources will guarantee sustainable financing for immunization and universal access to vaccines, aligning with our efforts in Primary Health Care,” the Department explained.
Besides, the Ministry acknowledged the role of other immunization partners, the media, and the civil society in amplifying and raising awareness of the vaccine stockout issues.
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According to MoH, the government’s dedication indicates a strong health- seeking behavior in local communities and the excellent demand for vaccines in Kenya.
“We appreciate the quick intervention of the State Department of Medical Services, the National Vaccines and Immunization Program, and UNICEF’s supplies division for their swift distribution of the vaccines,” read another part of the statement.
MoH maintained that it remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition as Kenya moves towards becoming fully self-financing by 2030.
“To achieve this, the Ministry is exploring innovative options for sustainable financing of vaccine procurement and program operations to prevent future stockouts.”
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