Kenyan families can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the country receives over 3 million doses of the BCG vaccine, ending a nationwide shortage that had raised fears of disease outbreaks among children.
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Vaccines Land at JKIA Amid Ongoing Crisis
The crucial consignment arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and was received by Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Health Kenya, UNICEF Kenya, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) Kenya.
“This shipment comes at a critical time to replenish national stocks and sustain our routine immunization program,” WHO stated via its official communication.
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UNICEF and WHO Step In to Fill the Gap
The shipment included 3 million doses of BCG vaccine meant to protect newborns from tuberculosis. WHO also confirmed that this comes just ahead of a nationwide Catch-Up Campaign to close immunity gaps and reach unvaccinated children.
This follows the arrival of another 3.2 million doses of the polio vaccine on June 6, easing concerns sparked by a stockout that had left 12 counties without key vaccines.
PS Oluga: No Cause for Alarm
Speaking earlier this week, Dr. Oluga assured Kenyans that the Ministry was working around the clock to restore normalcy.
“There’s no cause for alarm. The BCG doses have arrived, and we’re on track to resume normal distribution by June 15,” said Oluga.
How the Government is Responding
The Ministry of Health had earlier announced a strategic plan to address the crisis by redistributing existing stock, working closely with counties, and fast-tracking vaccine procurement in partnership with UNICEF.
“We’ve deployed tracking tools and real-time reporting to prevent future shortages,” the Ministry added.
Nationwide Catch-Up Campaign Begins
The Ministry confirmed that vaccine distribution will begin on June 15, targeting newborns and infants left vulnerable during the stockout. The campaign also includes an emphasis on rotavirus and polio vaccines, which were at risk of depletion earlier this month.
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Health experts warn that without urgent immunization, Kenya could face potential disease outbreaks and lose decades of progress in child health.
Stay updated on Kenya’s health sector recovery efforts at Ministry of Health Kenya.
