Minister of Health, Susan Nakhumicha, has acknowledged the shortage of children’s vaccines in the country and stated that her ministry has tasked the International Company Global (GAVI) to deliver various vaccines to address the situation.
Ms. Nakhumicha’s statement comes at a time when the leadership of the Council of Governors (COG) has raised concerns about the lack of essential vaccines in the country. COG has urged the ministry to expedite the delivery of vaccines for newborns and children under the age of five.
Several counties have already been affected by the shortage of children’s vaccines, causing significant worry among parents. The shortage has persisted from March to May.
The vaccines that have run out in the counties include those for Polio (OPV & IPV), Tuberculosis (BCG), Measles (MR), and Tetanus Diphtheria, commonly known as Pentavalent.
The shortage of these vaccines has raised fears of an increase in polio and tuberculosis cases.
In an interview with Taifa Leo, Ms. Nakhumicha admitted that there is a vaccine shortage in the country, attributing it to disruptions in the vaccine procurement plan.
However, she said her ministry is addressing the issue urgently and that all vaccines will be available in the country shortly, although she did not specify exactly when.
“We are distributing vaccines to counties with high incidences of diseases first, then to those experiencing shortages,” Ms. Nakhumicha said.
She added that discussions are ongoing with Gavi to find a long-term solution to the procurement and distribution issue.
On Thursday, COG Chairperson Anne Waiguru wrote to the ministry, stating that there is a shortage of vaccines in various health centers and hospitals. Ms. Waiguru said the shortage has caused significant concern, especially among parents of newborns.
Furthermore, it has been revealed that Kenya has failed to pay a debt of KSh 2 billion to an international company that was supplying vaccines to the country, contributing to the current shortage.
Statistics show that 1.6 million unborn children and pregnant women are at risk due to the vaccine shortage. Additionally, 750,000 girls under the age of 10 will also be affected.
In Trans Nzoia County, children attending clinics are not receiving vaccines at Trans Nzoia County Referral Hospital in Kitale and Tom Mboya health centers.
These children have missed out on polio and other important vaccines, with Governor George Natembeya confirming the severity of the situation.
In Turkana County, Chief Executive Officer of Lodwar Hospital, Dr. Joseph Epem, said that in the past month, there has been a shortage of tuberculosis and polio vaccines.
There was also a reported shortage of vaccines for children under the age of seven at Kapenguria County Referral Hospital in West Pokot County. The hospital superintendent, Dr. Simon Kapchanga, said many children’s vaccines are unavailable.
