The Ministry of Health has dispatched a total of 6.2 million BCG and Oral Polio vaccines to counties after days of shortage left newborn children at risk of infections.

According to Health CS Aden Duale, partners such as UNICEF helped accelerate the procurement of these life-saving drugs. 

While flagging off the consignment to counties, Duale urged authorities in the devolved units to prioritize the collection of the vaccines from regional depots and ensure timely distribution to health facilities, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

“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,” Duale noted. An estimated 80,000 children missed out on critical vaccines during the shortage.

The life-saving vaccines will bring relief to thousands of families after months of critical shortages that left many children unprotected against preventable diseases.

“We have had some serious challenges with children’s vaccines in the country, especially oral polio and BCG,” said Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services. “Twelve counties had completely run out of vaccines, and 35 others were left with stocks lasting less than 10 days. Some mothers have been turned away from facilities for as
long as three months.”

To address the gap, the Ministry of Health plans to launch a national catch-up vaccination campaign. “Beginning June 15, mothers can now take their children to health facilities for the missed vaccines. All children born in the last three months and who left hospitals without vaccination will be traced and fully immunized.” Dr. Oluga announced.

The shortage resulted from delays in the National Treasury's disbursement of co-financing payments to global vaccine partners Gavi and UNICEF.

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