State directs medics to get Hepatitis B jab

The Health ministry now wants all healthcare workers vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Principal Secretary Fred Sigor said Monday during the World Hepatitis Day that the ministry had mounted a campaign to ensure all medical personnel get the crucial vaccine.

"The Health ministry has decided to be proactive in developing the national strategic plan in healthcare setting 2014-2018 to ensure reduction of the incidence of acquiring infections among patients, staff and those in healthcare environments," said Sigor.

Meanwhile, Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri)-led campaigns against hepatitis B have reached out to 2,198 persons who turned out for testing in Nairobi alone during a week's sensitisation programme.

Prof Maritim Songok, head of infectious and parasitic diseases programme at Kemri, said 43 people were found to be hepatitis B positive and have been referred for management. He said all who tested negative were vaccinated against the disease.