By Vivian Anyango
The Ministry of Health has announced the arrival of critical vaccine supplies, alleviating a nationwide shortage that has affected immunization programs. Principal Secretary for the State Department of Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, confirmed that 3.2 million doses of the polio vaccine have been cleared at the port and are being redistributed to health facilities across the country.
In addition to the polio vaccine, the Ministry has received 2.3 million doses of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, essential for protecting infants against tuberculosis. These vaccines are expected to be distributed to health facilities by June 15, 2025.
Dr. Oluga emphasized that the Ministry is actively collaborating with county governments to ensure equitable access to these vaccines, stating, "The Ministry is actively redistributing available vaccine stocks in collaboration with the county government to ensure equitable access to all Kenyans in all regions."
To prevent future shortages, the Ministry is establishing a strategic vaccine reserve in all counties and has allocated KSh 1.25 billion for the procurement of additional vaccines.
The Ministry has assured the public that every child will receive the BCG vaccine, urging caregivers to visit local health facilities to have their children vaccinated and catch up on any missed doses.
This development marks a significant step towards stabilizing Kenya's immunization programs and ensuring the health and safety of its population.
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