The Ministry of Health and Sanitation in Kitui County is preparing to launch a major vaccination drive targeting children for protection against Measles, Rubella, and Typhoid Fever. This critical campaign, scheduled to run from July 5th to July 14th, 2025, is part of a larger national effort spearheaded by the Ministry of Health. The drive aims to immunize hundreds of thousands of children across Kitui County, ensuring that vulnerable age groups are shielded from preventable diseases through timely vaccination.
The campaign gained momentum following a courtesy visit by Mr. Stephen Karuru from the World Health Organization (WHO) to the Chief Officer for Public Health and Sanitation, Lynn Kitwan. The meeting underscored the strong collaboration between Kitui County Government and key partners, including WHO, UNICEF, AMREF, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These organizations have been instrumental in supporting the county’s healthcare efforts, particularly in enhancing immunization coverage and building public health resilience.
Chief Officer Lynn Kitwan outlined that the campaign will focus on children between 9 months and 59 months for the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, while those aged 9 months to 14 years will receive the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV). She confirmed that all vaccines have been received and distribution to sub-counties is ongoing ahead of the official rollout. The vaccines will be administered free of charge in public health facilities, schools, churches, markets, and residential estates to ensure wide accessibility.
This campaign comes in response to a recent measles outbreak in Mwingi North and Mwingi Central sub-counties earlier in the year, which highlighted the urgent need to boost immunity among children. To prevent a recurrence, Chief Officer Kitwan called on leaders from all walks of life, including religious figures particularly those from the Kavonokya sect to support the campaign. She emphasized that community leaders play a vital role in shaping public opinion and can help dispel myths around vaccination.
CO Kitwan appealed to all parents and caregivers to bring their children forward for vaccination during the campaign period. “Let us vaccinate to protect. Let no child be left behind,” she urged. The Ministry is optimistic that with strong community participation and continued support from stakeholders, the campaign will significantly reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and safeguard the health of Kitui’s children.
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