The integrated Measles-Rubella and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine Campaign was unveiled at Githogoro Grounds in Westlands, Nairobi.
Speaking during the launch, CS Duale urged parents, teachers, caregivers, and religious leaders to support the drive, which he said is key to protecting Kenya’s children and communities from vaccine-preventable illnesses.
He assured the public that the vaccines are safe, effective, and available free of charge in all public health facilities and outreach centres.
“This campaign is our opportunity to close the gap and reach the last child in the last mile,” Duale said.
The Cabinet Secretary raised concerns about the
continued threat of typhoid fever, especially in informal settlements and rural
areas with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation.
He noted that drug-resistant typhoid strains are on the rise, making the
disease more difficult and costly to treat.
“The Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine offers
protection for at least four years with just a single dose. It has now been
incorporated into our national immunization schedule at nine months of age,”
said Duale.
He also expressed concern over low uptake of the second dose of the Measles-Rubella vaccine. Kenya recorded nearly 3,000 measles cases and 18 deaths between January 2024 and February 2025, according to the Ministry of Health data.
Duale described the campaign as a major pillar
of the government’s Big Catch-Up initiative, which targets children who missed
routine vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the program also contributes
to the broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“Vaccination is not just a health tool—it’s an
investment in our country’s future,” said Duale, noting that the campaign is
part of efforts to restore confidence in primary healthcare and reduce preventable
child deaths.
Principal Secretary (PS) for Public Health, Mary Muthoni during the official launch of the Integrated Measles -Rubella and Typhoid Campaign in Westlands on July 5 2025/Ministry of Health /X
The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted ongoing work on the Quality of Healthcare Bill, which he said will ensure all health services meet clear standards of safety, equity, and accountability.
He paid tribute to healthcare workers, calling
them the backbone of Kenya’s health system, and thanked international partners, including WHO, UNICEF, PATH Kenya, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and Gavi, for their continued support in logistics, cold chain systems, and staff
training.
Duale
concluded by calling on the media to play its part in promoting accurate
vaccine information and combating misinformation that threatens public health
efforts.
