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The Ministry of Health has reported decline in immunisation of children after the outbreak of Covid-19 in the country.
Speaking during the update on coronavirus yesterday, Health Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi noted that there was a 2.34 per cent decline in Immunisation.
“When we compare with the same period last year, we notice a 2.34 per cent dip. Last year we had about 640,000 children immunised. This year we have shaved off about 20,000 coming to around 600,025,” Dr Mwangangi said.
She said last year the Ministry was able to attain a national average of 83 per cent.
“We do note a decline in the absolute number of children who are vaccinated and this has been observed, of course due to disruption brought about by coronavirus,” Mwangangi said.
The Ministry has recorded a decline in uptake of HPV vaccine for 10-year-old girls, which currently stands at 46 per cent.
“We continue to urge all Kenyans and inform them that immunisation services are ongoing and available across all our healthcare facilities,” said Mwangangi.
The CAS noted that the Covid-19 positivity rate stands at 7.9 per cent.
Positivity rate increased
She said over the last 34 weeks, the positivity rate had steadily increased from an initial 2 per cent.
“Global benchmarks by WHO tells us that when a country records a positivity rate of at least 5 per cent or lower for a period of 14 days, then indeed we are getting to the point where we are able to flatten this curve,” she said.
The Ministry of Health reported 426 more Covid-19 cases, bringing the national tally to 31,441.
There were 257 recoveries reported, bringing the total number to 17,869.
Mwangangi reported 10 more Covid-19 deaths, raising the death toll to 516.
Three deaths of patients aged below 30 were recorded in the community.
Kenya continues to engage in negotiations with COVAX, under the stewardship of World Health Organisation and Gavi, to ensure vaccines are available at an affordable cost to countries and distributed equitably.
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