NAIROBI,Kenya— Kenya is currently grappling with a nationwide shortage of critical vaccines, with the Ministry of Health confirming that 12 out of 47 counties have run out of essential immunization supplies, including vaccines for tuberculosis, polio, and rotavirus.
State Department for Medical Services in a statement acknowledged the gravity of the situation while reassuring the public that emergency interventions are underway to mitigate the shortage and ensure no child is left unprotected.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of all Kenyans,” said Principal Secretary at the State Department for Medical Services Ouma Oluga.
According to the Ministry, the current vaccine stock levels stand at just two weeks for the BCG (tuberculosis) and polio vaccines, while rotavirus vaccines are projected to last only one month.
The shortages have been largely attributed to global supply bottlenecks that are affecting several countries.
The government however says its moving swiftly to address the situation ,with a consignment of 3.2 million doses of the polio vaccine currently being cleared at the port and is scheduled for distribution by June 10.
An additional 3.0 million doses of the BCG vaccine are expected to arrive and be distributed by June 15.
Meanwhile, the government has intensified redistribution efforts in collaboration with county governments to manage the remaining stocks and prioritize high-need areas.
The Ministry similarly highlighted the Zero-Dose Catch-Up Mechanism as a safeguard to ensure continuity in immunization.
