- Kenya has received three million BCG vaccine doses at JKIA.
- Delivery was made possible through help from UNICEF and WHO.
- The supply comes just in time, with vaccine stocks running low.
- PS Ouma Oluga says the vaccines will be sent to counties right away.
- The government promises no child will be left out of immunization.
- Officials reaffirm commitment to protect children from TB and other diseases.
Kenya’s fight against tuberculosis has received a huge push after the country received three million doses of the BCG vaccine. The vaccines landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and are expected to help stabilize childhood immunization programmes.
The delivery comes at a time when the country had only two weeks’ worth of BCG and Polio vaccines remaining. Stocks of the Rota Virus vaccine were also nearly depleted, raising fears of interruptions in child vaccinations.
The vaccine shipment was delivered with support from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). These global partners have continued to play a key role in strengthening Kenya’s health systems, especially in times of need.
Ministry of Health officials were present at the airport to receive the consignment. The team included Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, who thanked all partners and called the vaccines “a timely and vital boost.”
Counties to Begin Immediate Distribution
Speaking during the reception, Dr. Oluga confirmed that the vaccines would be sent to counties immediately to avoid any gaps in service. He said the ministry is fully committed to keeping vaccine delivery smooth across the country.
He was accompanied by Dr. Bashir Issak, Head of Family Health, and Dr. Rose Jalango, who leads the National Vaccines and Immunization Programme. UNICEF and WHO representatives also attended.
To calm public concern, Dr. Oluga reassured Kenyans that no child will miss any vaccination. He said the Ministry has activated the Zero-Dose Catch-Up Mechanism as part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“The Ministry reassures all Kenyans that no child will miss a single dose of any vaccine,” said Dr. Oluga.
This move aims to cover children who may have missed their routine doses due to past supply delays.
The arrival of the BCG vaccines marks a strong step in Kenya’s continued efforts to protect children from deadly diseases like TB. It also shows the country’s readiness to act quickly and ensure no health crisis goes unaddressed.
Health officials remain hopeful that with steady supplies and support from global partners, Kenya’s immunization program will stay on track and reach every child.
