The Ministry of Health in Kenya, led by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, has announced a crucial and comprehensive nationwide immunization campaign. This vital initiative is scheduled to run from July 5 to July 14, 2025, with the primary goal of safeguarding children across the country from two dangerous yet preventable diseases: Typhoid and Measles-Rubella (MR).

The campaign will administer specific vaccines carefully tailored to different age groups to maximize their protective effect. Children falling within the age bracket of 9 months to 59 months will receive the Measles-Rubella vaccine, a critical measure given the recent concerning statistics regarding measles outbreaks. Concurrently, the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) will be administered to a broader demographic, encompassing all children from 9 months up to 14 years of age. CS Duale underscored the profound importance and urgency of this exercise, stating, "The Ministry of Health will roll out a nationwide immunization campaign from 5th to 14th July 2025 targeting Typhoid and Measles-Rubella (MR)—two dangerous, yet preventable diseases threatening the health and lives of our children."

The pressing need for this campaign stems directly from Kenya's current public health challenges. The nation is presently contending with a troubling surge in cases of antimicrobial-resistant typhoid, a severe health threat where children under the age of 15 face an especially elevated risk of mortality. The spread of this drug-resistant typhoid is further exacerbated by environmental factors such as climate change and increasing urbanization, rendering vaccination an absolutely indispensable shield against its progression.

In addition, Kenya has recently experienced significant measles outbreaks, adding to the urgency. Between January 2024 and February 2025, a total of eighteen counties reported 2,949 confirmed measles cases and 18 fatalities. A principal reason identified for this heightened vulnerability is the alarmingly poor uptake of the second dose of the MR vaccine, which is typically administered at 18 months, leaving many children dangerously exposed to potential infection.

Looking beyond the immediate campaign, the Ministry of Health has also outlined strategic long-term plans to enhance public health. The Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) is slated for integration into the routine immunization schedule for children at 9 months of age following the completion of the campaign. This crucial step ensures sustained, ongoing protection against typhoid and signifies the Ministry's steadfast commitment to strengthening the national immunization program for the future.

To guarantee the profound success of this vital health initiative, the Ministry has established clear and ambitious targets: aiming for 95% coverage for the Measles-Rubella vaccine and 80% coverage for the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine. Overall, Kenya's overarching goal is to achieve an impressive 98% coverage rate during the intensive ten-day campaign period. CS Duale firmly reiterated, "No child should suffer or die from diseases we can prevent," issuing a strong call to action for parents, caregivers, and communities to ensure every eligible child receives the necessary vaccinations. The Ministry has also appealed to county health teams, faith leaders, and development partners to actively mobilize and contribute their efforts towards the campaign's success, emphasizing that "Vaccination remains the strongest shield we have to protect our children against preventable diseases."