This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
On September 13, 2019, Noreen Koech, a 22-year-old mother, watched with tears of joy as her six-month-old son Elian became the first child to receive Kenya's first dose of the Malaria vaccine during the rollout in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County.
Among the 10 children lined up for the inaugural vaccination, Elian was the first to receive the vaccine, with numerous journalists and photographers rushing to capture the moment as dignitaries and guests clapped and ululated in jubilation.
"I knew it was a significant event, but I did not expect all the jubilation and attention given to my son," Noreen said, adding that her tears were those of joy and appreciation of the moment.
The new malaria vaccine, RTS,S, has already been introduced in Ghana and Malawi, and its introduction in Kenya brings with it a relief that it will boost existing interventions like nets, insecticide sprays, and others.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the vaccine will prevent 4 out of 10 malaria infections and prevent severe malaria by more than 30 percent.
"The malaria vaccine introduction and programme will help us learn more about the potential of this prevention tool to change the trajectory of malaria - a disease that has held Kenya and Africa in its grip for ages," Dr. Rudi Eggers, WHO Representative in Kenya, said.
The phased introduction of the vaccine has been rolled out in eight counties, including Homabay, Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, Busia, Bungoma, Vihigo, and Kakamega, with some sub-counties introducing the vaccine into their immunization schedules while others expect to introduce it later.
