- According to the WHO, over 940 tablets will be used to manage immunisation data.
- The tablets have screen protectors and covers with each having a KNOX ID for traceability through remote tracking.
Image: HANDOUT
The Ministry of Health has received a donation of 940 mobile tablets from the World Health Organisation.
The tablets valued at Sh62 million (USD476,000) are aimed at improving Immunisation coverage in the country.
The tablets will be used to strengthen the immunisation data management in 315 subcounties across the 47 Counties.
According to the WHO, over 940 tablets will be used to manage immunisation data.
The tablets have screen protectors and covers with each having a KNOX ID for traceability through remote tracking.
The IT admins can remotely track, manage, configure and send messages to the devices.
"These 940 tablets will go a long way to contribute to improve quality of immunization data and hence provide verifiable data," WHO Kenya country representative Dr Abdourahmane Diallo said.
"These data elements include vaccination records and vaccine supply stock at vaccination points," he added.
Diallo noted that data is the cornerstone to inform decision-making hence the need for quality data.
The use of the devices is expected to reduce data errors significantly if not eliminated.
Diallo said addressing data quality gaps will therefore result in an increase in immunisation coverage and better management of vaccine stocks.
Speaking during the function, Health CS Susan Nakhumicha noted that the provision of high-quality maternal and child health services is a key part of the government's focus.
She noted that eliminating preventable maternal and child deaths and accurate data on immunization is essential.
She said the tablets will be deployed at the National Vaccines and Immunization Program where they will help enhance data quality for decision making.
"It is my desire and hope that these tablets will go a long way in ensuring that the gaps that we have experienced before on data collection and transmission," she said.
Public Health PS Mary Muthoni acknowledged the role of digital technology in enhancing health systems.
Muthoni said technology has the potential to significantly reduce health costs by up to 15 per cent through people-centred and evidence-based digital investments.
According to WHO, although the country has made strides to reach more than 80 per cent of the target population with most of the vaccines offered in its immunization schedule, some populations remain unreached.
Similarly, coverage of some vaccines is below 80 per cent such as HPV for adolescent girls and the second dose of measles rubella vaccine.
Kenya is facing multiple outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, cholera, and poliovirus (cVDPV2).
Diallo said these outbreaks need to be halted, adding that the unreached populations are those in most need of these services and remain vulnerable groups.
They include the urban poor, migrant populations, rural/hard-to-reach populations and displaced persons.