This archive report was first published on 27 June 2021.
Kenya's Ministry of Health has launched a measles vaccination exercise in Busia County, targeting 101,000 children aged between nine to 59 months.
Speaking during the launch at Busia County Referral hospital, Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi emphasized the importance of the exercise, stating that Busia is among the 22 counties earmarked for the initiative.
According to Mulomi, the exercise aims to vaccinate children who may have missed the previous rounds of vaccination, with research revealing that some areas in Busia County needed to repeat the exercise.
Busia Assistant County Commissioner Steven Kibandi expressed concern that only 88% of children were being vaccinated across the County, with a need to find the remaining 12%.
He noted that some religions are against vaccinations, but urged parents not to leave out any child due to traditions or religious beliefs, adding that Chiefs and their assistants will work closely with healthcare providers to ensure the exercise's success.
Busia County Director of Medical Services Janerose Ambuchi revealed that more than 200 children in the County suffered from measles-rubella, with only 88% of children receiving the first dose at 9 months and 60% going for the second jab at 18 months as required.
A team of officers from the Ministry of Health is on the ground to ensure the success of the exercise.
By Salome Alwanda
