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10 counties with the lowest uptake of the vaccines include Kilifi, Bomet, Narok, West Pokot, Garissa, Marsabit, Mandera, Turkana, Wajir and Tana River. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]
The Ministry of Health has commenced a Covid-19 mass vaccination campaign targeting 3.2 million adults.
The 10-day vaccination campaign launched on Friday is aimed at scaling up the uptake of the jab, across 47 communities, with more focus put on pastoral communities.
At least 3,000 vaccination teams are undertaking the programme.
Acting Director of Medical Services Andrew Mulwa said the ministry is using community mobilisation through local administration, religious and community leaders.
“We are using vernacular language to inform the community on the importance of the vaccine. Local leaders have also been brought on board because they understand various dynamics affecting their areas,” said Dr Mulwa.
On Saturday, 120, 440 vaccines were administered as compared to 19,178 documented a week ago. As per the ministry’s data, the highest number of vaccines ever administered is 60,000.
“We will take the shots to the people. People are not turning up at vaccination centers, so we want to get to them,” said Dr Mulwa.
The uptake of booster vaccines across the country is also low. At least 137,031 booster shots have been administered since its launch on January 1, by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The 10 counties with the lowest uptake of the vaccines include Kilifi, Bomet, Narok, West Pokot, Garissa, Marsabit, Mandera, Turkana, Wajir and Tana River.
Also, the ministry is focusing on pastoralists migration patterns and watering points, to reach the target population, amid ravaging drought.
Pastoral communities with low uptake of the vaccine include Narok, West Pokot, Garissa, Marsabit, Mandera, Turkana, Wajir and Tana River.
“It is unfortunate that pastoral communities have to walk in search of water and pasture for their stock. The vaccination team is therefore meeting them at these points,” Dr Mulwa added.
“Drought situation is not good. It is hard convincing people to pick the jabs, yet they need food more, for survival,” said Turkana County Director of Medical Services Gilchrist Lokoel.
So far, in Turkana a total of 26, 642 residents have been vaccinated, out of a target population of 468,878.
Prof Matilu Mwau, infectious disease specialist, said the pastoralists risk infections as they cross borders.
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