Public health Chief officer Lynn Kitwan has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to child health and disease prevention through vaccination. Speaking at the launch, she urged parents and caregivers across Kitui County to take full advantage of the opportunity. “Vaccines save lives. Let us work together to protect our future generation. Let no child be left behind,” she said. On Saturday, 5th July 2025, Kitui County officially rolled out a 10-day vaccination campaign running from 5th to 14th July, targeting children with lifesaving Measles-Rubella and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccines.
The campaign is a response to recent outbreaks, including over 100 suspected measles cases in Kitui County earlier this year, with confirmed cases in Mwingi North, Mwingi Central, and Kitui Central sub-counties. “We cannot afford to watch preventable diseases take hold in our communities. The time to act is now,” Kitwan emphasized. The drive targets children aged 9 months to 59 months for the Measles-Rubella vaccine and those aged 9 months to 14 years for the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine. The initiative is part of a national effort by the Ministry of Health, supported by WHO, UNICEF, AMREF, and CDC.
Kitui County received 140,360 doses of the Measles-Rubella vaccine and 493,125 doses of the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine on 30th June 2025, along with essential supplies such as syringes, sanitizers, cotton wool, and safety boxes. “All commodities have been dispatched to our eight sub-counties and distributed to health facilities, schools, churches, and marketplaces,” noted Kitwan. She thanked the national government and development partners for their continuous support, saying, “This partnership is critical in ensuring our children remain safe and healthy.”
Kitwan further noted that the campaign would also involve active surveillance for measles cases and that the typhoid vaccine would be integrated into Kenya’s routine immunization program after the campaign. “This is not just a one-time effort. It is a long-term investment in the health of our children,” she stated. She concluded by appealing to local leaders, including religious figures, to support the campaign by spreading accurate information and encouraging participation: “Health is a shared responsibility. Let us come together as a county to ensure every child is reached and protected.”
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