By Petra Njeri
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale on Thursday dispatched 3 million BCG vaccines for tuberculosis and 3.2 million Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV) from Afya House, Nairobi, in a significant boost to Kenya’s national immunization programme.
During the flag off, Duale directed county governments to prioritize immediate collection and distribution, particularly to remote areas.
“I am calling upon all county governments, through the Council of Governors (CoG) and their County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) for Health, to prioritise the collection of these vaccines from regional depots and ensure timely distribution to health facilities—especially those in remote and underserved areas,” CS Duale stated.
The Cabinet Secretary praised the government’s swift action in vaccine procurement and delivery, as proof of Kenya’s commitment to ensuring child health.
He acknowledged immunization partners UNICEF and WHO for their rapid response support in delivering the vaccines.
Additionally, he reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to minimize disruptions and sustain the country’s immunization momentum.
“Parents and Caregivers across the country are encouraged to visit local health facilities to have their children vaccinated and catch up on any missed doses,” the Ministry of Health stated.
Duale was accompanied by Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health), Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, CoG CEO Ms. Mary Mwiti, and representatives from UNICEF and WHO.