The Ministry of Health has announced a national immunization campaign targeting children to curb the rising threat of typhoid and measles-rubella (MR). The campaign, scheduled to run from 5th to 14th July 2025, aims to protect millions of children from two life-threatening but preventable diseases.
According to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale this is an attempt to protect children against these two dangerous but preventable disease that put the life of our children at risk.
The goal set out by the Ministry of Health is 95% Measles Rubella coverage and 80% of the Typhoid vaccine coverage.
Children between the age of 9 months to 59 months are to receive the Measles Rubella vaccine while the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine will be administered to children between 9 months and 14 years.
The above measures are a result of the rising cases of antimicrobial resistant Typhoid with children under 15years bearing the greatest burden and under 5 most at risk of death.
The spread of drug resistant Typhoid exacerbated by climate change and urbanization poses a real and growing threat.Vaccination has proven to be a powerful tool against the life threatening diseases.
At the same time, measles outbreak has been confirmed 18 counties with 2,949 cases and 18 deaths recorded between January 2024 and February 2025.
The brief has argued that, poor uptake of the second dose of the Measles-Rubella vaccine at 18 months has left many children dangerously exposed.
Concluding, the CS has urged all parents, caregivers and communities to avail eligible children for the vaccination. The health team and faith leaders have also been called out to mobilised the campaign and make it a success.
