Govt launches dual vaccine blitz against typhoid, measles
By Aloys Michael, July 2, 2025The Ministry of Health has launched a nationwide immunisation campaign aimed at protecting millions of children from typhoid and measles-rubella, two dangerous but preventable diseases that continue to pose a major threat to child health in Kenya.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, by the Ministry of Health (MOH) , the campaign, which will run from July 5 to 14, 2025, is set to target children aged 9 months to 14 years with a dual vaccination effort. The initiative comes amid a worrying rise in cases of antimicrobial-resistant typhoid and ongoing measles outbreaks in several Counties.
“Kenya is facing rising cases of antimicrobial-resistant typhoid, with children under 15 years bearing the greatest burden and those under five most at risk of death,” said Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale in a press statement.
“Vaccination has proven to be a powerful tool in stopping this disease.”
In addition to the threat of typhoid, measles outbreaks have been reported in 18 countries, resulting in 2,949 confirmed cases and 18 deaths between January 2024 and February 2025. The Ministry attributes this to poor uptake of the second dose of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine, administered at 18 months.
Vaccine disribution
To address this, the MOH said it will roll out a targeted Supplementary Immunisation Activity (SIA) supported by county governments and development partners.
According to the Ministry’s plan, children aged 9 to 59 months will receive the Measles-Rubella vaccine, and children aged 9 months to 14 years will receive the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV).
In a key move towards sustainability, the TCV will be incorporated into the national routine immunisation schedule, given at 9 months of age after the campaign ends.
“This rollout is a firm demonstration of the Kenya Government’s commitment to ensuring that no child dies from a vaccine-preventable disease. We will not relent until every child, in every village and town, is protected through timely vaccination,” Duale said.
The Ministry is urging parents, guardians, and community leaders to actively participate and ensure all eligible children are vaccinated. Faith leaders, healthcare workers, and county health teams are also being called upon to support mobilisation efforts.
“Our goal is clear: 95 per cent MR coverage and 80 per cent TCV coverage. No child should suffer or die from diseases we can prevent,” Duale said.
He said the campaign marks a significant step in safeguarding Kenya’s future generations and ensuring a healthier, more resilient nation.