By Diana Wenwa
The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai convened a crucial meeting with representatives from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to address significant issues concerning vaccine availability in Kenya.
The Ministry of Health has been actively monitoring vaccine consumption across all levels nationwide and is facilitating redistribution between counties to mitigate the ongoing stock-out situation.
Ministry of Health updated the public on the current status of vaccine stocks across the country stating their unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of all Kenyans after a recent report indicated shortages of routine vaccines in health facilities across the country.
The country experienced a situation of stockouts of key vaccines, with less than two months’ supply 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 supply remaining.
These shortages have put children and vulnerable populations at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases and potential outbreaks.
The ministry has taken action to address the challenges in our immunization program.
The Ministry is tracking vaccine consumption at all levels nationally and facilitating redistribution between counties to alleviate the stock-out situation.
“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,” read the PS’s statement in part.
In addition to that, the ministry is closely engaging with UNICEF to expedite the delivery of vaccines ordered after the last payment. A sum of ksh1.25 billion has been set aside to urgently procure routine antigens and replenish the lifesaving vaccines in health facilities.
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.
Mechanisms for “accelerated transition planning” from Gavi support are being set up, this includes exploring innovative options for sustainable financing of vaccine procurement and program operations. The National Treasury is also being engaged to ensure increased and dedicated resources are allocated to the immunization program.
During this period, the Ministry is coordinating closely with healthcare workers to keep them informed on measures to alleviate the current situation.
The ministry also noted that they understood the importance of maintaining an uninterrupted supply of vaccines and are taking every necessary step to address the current stock challenges. Their goal is to ensure that all Kenyans have access to life-saving vaccines and to maintain high immunization coverage across the country.