By John Kariuki
The Government of Kenya has received a consignment of three million doses of BCG vaccine at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), marking a significant step towards enhancing tuberculosis protection among newborns across the country. The distribution of the vaccines is set to commence on June 15, according to Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai Oluga.
This development has been widely celebrated in the medical community, with renowned medic, and businessman from Murang'a Dr. Moses Mwangi, lauding the move as timely and life-saving. Dr. Mwangi emphasized the critical importance of BCG vaccines in preventing severe forms of tuberculosis in infants, including TB meningitis and miliary TB, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Speaking after the announcement, Dr. Mwangi noted that the vaccine shortage experienced in recent months had caused concern among healthcare providers and parents. He welcomed the government’s swift action to address the gap, adding that the new supply will go a long way in safeguarding the health of newborns, particularly in rural areas where access to essential vaccines has been limited.
“Vaccination remains the cornerstone of disease prevention, and the BCG vaccine is one of the first lines of defence we provide to our children,” Dr. Mwangi said. “The arrival of these vaccines is a major relief to both the medical fraternity and the thousands of families who were anxiously waiting for this intervention.”
The Ministry of Health has assured the public that the distribution process will be efficient and that the vaccines will be dispatched to health facilities across the country without delay.
Dr. Mwangi also urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children receive the BCG vaccine at birth or earliest opportunity after birth, reinforcing the critical role immunization plays in promoting a healthy future generation.
The BCG vaccine is an important 1st line defence recognized for its prevention against the severe forms of tuberculosis, especially among children, and its availability is expected to significantly bolster the country’s fight against the disease.
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