Professor Omu Anzala of the National Vaccine and Immunization Program (NVIP). Photo Virginia Siebela 
By Virginia Siebela
Machakos County has embarked on an ambitious immunization campaign aiming to vaccinate 143,165 children aged 9 months to 5 years against Measles-Rubella (MR), and an additional 451,438 children aged 9 months to 14 years against Typhoid, as part of the ongoing nationwide Measles-Rubella and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) campaign.
The two-week exercise, officially launched at Machakos Level 5 Hospital, marks a significant step in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases. Speaking at the launch, Professor Omu Anzala of the National Vaccine and Immunization Program (NVIP) lauded the initiative as a critical milestone, especially with the first-ever public rollout of the Typhoid vaccine through government facilities.
“This campaign is about saving lives and protecting our children’s future. There is no scientific basis for the myths and misconceptions being spread—these vaccines are safe, effective, and crucial,” said Prof. Anzala, urging parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated.
The Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), which is being offered free of charge at designated government health facilities, is expected to be incorporated into the routine immunization schedule after the campaign concludes.
Simba Mwako, Chief Officer for Public Health in Machakos County, emphasized that the campaign is a proactive response to: The high burden of measles and typhoid fever among children, Frequent disease outbreaks in the target age groups, And the availability of safe, effective vaccines that can break the chain of transmission
