The Ministry of Health has launched a nationwide 10-day vaccination campaign from July 5th to 14th, 2025, targeting two major threats to children’s health: typhoid and measles–rubella (MR). The campaign, spearheaded by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, focuses on protecting children aged nine months to 14 years against typhoid and those aged nine to 59 months against measles and rubella.

The initiative comes amid growing concern over a spike in antimicrobial-resistant typhoid cases, particularly among children. Urbanisation, poor sanitation, and climate change have compounded the spread of the disease, which disproportionately affects children under five. At the same time, measles outbreaks continue to pose a serious threat, with 18 counties affected, 2,949 reported cases, and 18 deaths recorded between January 2024 and February 2025. Alarmingly, low uptake of the MR booster dose at 18 months has left many children vulnerable to infection.

To support the campaign and avoid past vaccine shortages, the National Treasury has allocated Ksh 4.9 billion for vaccine procurement in the 2025/26 financial year. Health Director-General Patrick Amoth confirmed that Kenya is currently fully stocked with the required vaccines, including mpox vaccines, and that there is adequate infrastructure in place to ensure smooth delivery across the country.

CS Duale emphasised that the government is targeting 95% coverage for the MR vaccine and 80% for the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), underscoring its commitment to ending deaths caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. Following the campaign, the TCV will be integrated into the routine immunisation schedule at 9 months of age, strengthening long-term protection.

The Ministry is calling on parents, guardians, health workers, religious leaders, and partners at all levels to support the campaign. The government views this effort as a crucial investment in public health and a critical step in safeguarding Kenya’s future generations.

(The Star and The Eastleigh Voice)