Kenyans can sigh with relief after the country received crucial stockpiles of crucial vaccines following days of a crisis. Principal Secretary for medical services Dr. Ouma Oluga, alongside officials from the Ministry of Health, Kenya, the World Health Organisation, Kenya and the United Nations Children’s Fund, Kenya, on June 11 received a consignment of 3 million doses of Bacille Calmette‑Guérin (BCG) vaccine at JKIA.
The vaccines, delivered with the support of UNICEF & WHO, came at a critical time to replenish national stocks and sustain Kenya’s routine immunisation programme.
“3 million doses of Bacille Calmette‑Guérin (BCG) vaccine arrived at JKIA, received by PS for Medical Services alongside officials from the Ministry of Health, Kenya, the World Health Organisation, Kenya and the United Nations Children’s Fund,” the World Health Organisation confirmed.
BCG vaccines received and set for distribution
The vaccines came in as the World Health Organisation set to begin their nationwide campaign to protect newborns against TB and close immunity gaps.
“The vaccines were received just in time for our nationwide Catch‑Up Campaign to protect newborns against TB and close immunity gaps.”
3.2 million doses of polio vaccine were also received on June 6, and the medical services PS, Dr Oluga, confirmed that the BCG doses were expected by June 10, assuring Kenyans that there was no cause for alarm.
This came after a national crisis, as Kenya experienced a countrywide stockout of vaccines and antigens.
As of Friday, June 6, 2025, the Kenyan Ministry of Health issued a press statement revealing a critical shortage in vaccine stocks, with 12 out of 47 counties completely depleted.
“We currently maintain a one-month supply of the rotavirus vaccine and are diligently overseeing the situation. Our commitment is to reassure Kenyans that every feasible measure will be taken to safeguard us against vaccine-preventable illnesses. “Said Dr. Ouma Oluga.
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Response to the vaccine shortage
In response, the Ministry promised to redistribute available stocks and collaborate with county governments to ensure equitable access.
“Strategies including tracking vaccine consumption and facilitating redistribution between counties to mitigate stock-out situations will be employed,” the ministry assured.
“Working closely with UNICEF to accelerate the delivery of ordered vaccines and allocating funds for urgent procurement.”
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The shortage risked reversing gains in child health, with potential outbreaks looming if stocks were not replenished soon and the government communicated that the crisis was being addressed.
Dr. Oluga noted that the Ministry of Health looks forward to enhancing newborn tuberculosis protection as the distribution is to commence as of June 15.
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