A major child immunization drive has officially been launched in Garissa Township as part of a national initiative aimed at protecting children from preventable diseases.
The campaign, which began on the morning of July 5, 2025, at Policeline Dispensary, will run for ten days and is scheduled to end on July 14, 2025.
This targeted campaign focuses on two age groups. Children aged between 9 months and 59 months will receive the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, while those aged between 9 months and 14 years will be given the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV).
The goal is to achieve 100 percent vaccination coverage for all eligible children within Garissa Township during the campaign period.
The launch event brought together a coalition of key health and development partners. Representatives from IQVIA, ABSA Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF attended the event, working in collaboration with the County Health Department.
The county government was represented by the Chief Officer of Health and the County Director of Health.
Officials from the Ministry of Interior were also present to show their support and strengthen coordination efforts.
Health authorities emphasized the urgency and importance of the campaign, noting that increasing vaccine coverage is essential to preventing disease outbreaks and strengthening community health.
They urged all parents and caregivers to take their children to the nearest health facility to receive the vaccines, which are being offered free of charge.
“This is a vital step in protecting our children and securing the future of Garissa. We appeal to all parents and guardians to take advantage of this opportunity and bring their children for vaccination,” said the County Director of Health during the launch.
The campaign comes amid renewed efforts by the national and county governments to increase immunization rates, particularly in regions that have previously experienced challenges in reaching children with routine vaccines. Local health facilities in Garissa Township have been fully stocked with MR and TCV vaccines, and health workers have been trained to deliver the services safely and efficiently.
Community health workers and mobilizers will also be going door-to-door to raise awareness about the campaign and encourage families to participate.
Health officials expressed confidence that with strong community involvement, Garissa County will successfully meet its immunization target and serve as an example for other counties across the region.
