The Ministry of Health has launched a National Campaign to protect children against typhoid and measles-rubella. The nationwide immunisation campaign will take place from July 5 to 14, 2025.
The ministry will conduct a targeted supplementary immunisation activity targeting children aged 9 to 59 months who will receive the Measles-Rubella vaccine and those aged 9 months to 14 years who will receive the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV).
In a statement, the Cabinet Secretary of Health, Aden Duale, indicated that Kenya is facing rising cases of antimicrobial-resistant typhoid, with children under 15 years bearing the most significant burden, and those under five years most at risk.
READ ALSO:
Schools will find it hard to implement new e-procurement policy, say principals
The spread of drug-resistant typhoid, exacerbated by climate change and urbanisation, poses a real and growing threat.
Kenya records over 100,000 typhoid cases annually, disproportionately affecting children in informal settlements.
Measles outbreaks have also been confirmed in 18 countries, with 2,949 cases and 18 deaths recorded between January 2024 and February 2025.
Duale said poor uptake of the second dose of the MR vaccine at 18 months left many children dangerously exposed.
The government is committed to ensuring that no child dies from a vaccine-preventable disease. The ministry aims to achieve 95 per cent MR coverage and 80 per cent TCV coverage.
The typhoid vaccine will be permanently integrated into Kenya’s routine immunisation schedule at 9 months, alongside existing MR and Yellow Fever vaccines in relevant regions.
By Obegi Malack
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
