Turkana County now launches measles vaccination drive as 14 cases confirmed

The vaccination drive follows a reported measles outbreak at the Kakuma Refugee Camp, where 14 cases have been confirmed. [iStockphoto]

Turkana County is targeting more than 100,000 children under five years for measles-Rubella vaccination.

The vaccination drive follows a reported measles outbreak at the Kakuma Refugee Camp, where 14 cases have been confirmed.

Speaking during the launch of the measles vaccination drive in Lodwar County Referral Hospital, Health Executive Anthony Apalia said they will reach even the remote parts of the county.

Dr Apalia said the county's health department will partner with Unicef Kenya to roll out a 10-day vaccination campaign in the region, targeting 146,129 children under five years of age.

He said Turkana joins six other counties that have less than 90 per cent coverage of the routine first and second-dose measles vaccine coverage.

"The county has witnessed reduced coverage due to highly mobile nomadic populations, an influx of refugees and the ongoing drought which has affected a large population of vulnerable malnourished children," said Apalia.