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By Mercy Kachenge
Nairobi, Kenya: Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Peter Ouma Oluga has announced the procurement of over 6 million doses of polio vaccines to tackle critical shortages affecting immunization programs nationwide.
Dr. Oluga acknowledged that Kenya is currently facing significant vaccine stock challenges, particularly with BCG (tuberculosis) and polio vaccines, which have only two weeks’ supply remaining, while rotavirus stocks are down to one month. Notably, 12 out of 47 counties have completely exhausted their vaccine supplies, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Global Supply Chain Disruptions Worsen Shortages
The PS attributed the low stock levels to global supply bottlenecks, which have disrupted vaccine availability in Kenya and other countries over the past two weeks, especially for rotavirus.
Immediate Interventions Underway
To mitigate the crisis, the Ministry of Health is:
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Redistributing existing stocks in collaboration with county governments.
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Clearing 3.2 million vaccine doses at the port for distribution by June 10.
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Expecting 3 million BCG doses by June 15, with nationwide distribution to all 47 counties by mid-June.
Long-Term Preparedness
Dr. Oluga revealed plans to establish a Strategic Vaccine Reserve in all counties, sustainably financed and efficiently managed to safeguard against future shortages.
Under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), a Zero-Dose Catch-Up Movement Mechanism has been activated to ensure no child misses critical vaccinations.
“The health and well-being of all Kenyans remain our top priority. We are taking every possible measure to stabilize vaccine supply and restore full coverage,” Dr. Oluga assured.
