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Devolved units appeal for more Covid-19 jabs

Tuesday, April 6th, 2021 00:00 | By
Covid-19 vaccine.

County governments are appealing to the national government to fast track the release of more Covid-19 vaccines to tackle the rising demand for the jab in their respective jurisdiction.

The call follows reports that the country has almost exhausted its first batch of 1.12 million doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.

In the past few weeks, devolved units have experienced a surge in the number of those seeking to be vaccinated against the virus in a number of counties with the elderly leading the line.

In Murang’a, Health Executive  Joseph Mbai said their stock of 9,500 doses was depleted on March 31.

Mbai said a majority of residents are now seeking to be vaccinated and urged the Ministry of Health to supply more doses.

“With the directive that people aged 58 years and above be given priority in the vaccination exercise, we appeal for more doses as residents are flocking our health facilities in need of the jab,” added Mbai.

However, Mbai has refuted claims that some medical officers were charging for the vaccine, saying the exercise is well supervised and the jab is being administered free of charge.

“The exercise is under my supervision and I can assure that the vaccination is being done free of charge in selected public and private health centers,” he reiterated.

Mbai further warned residents against flouting the Ministry of Health Covid-19 guidelines.

High demand

Similarly, Nakuru is almost running out of the 30,000 doses distributed with hospitals recording a high demand for the jab in the past few weeks.

Health Executive Dr Kariuki Gichuki said the number of people in need of vaccination is overwhelming.

To meet the growing demand, Dr Gichuki said, they will have to order for more doses. “We are working with relevant Government agencies to ensure we have enough doses,” said Dr Gichuki.

A similar situation prevails in Uasin Gishu, which has exhausted its first consignment with its Health department calling on the government to supply them with more.

However, painting a contrast picture is Lamu and Turkana counties that have recorded low numbers in the inoculation drive.

At the King Fahd Hospital, the only designated Covid-19 vaccination centre, one would expect to see long queues of residents eager to get the AstraZeneca vaccine, however this is far from the case.

There is hardly anyone in sight and there are no queues stretching outside the door where the vaccination is designated to take place.

There is only a single nurse at the check-in desk and another one to direct patients to the medical officer administering the Covid-19.

Besides the slow pace of the vaccine uptake, there lurks a widespread distrust among members of the public over the county’s  ability to follow through with an efficient public sensitisation programme for the Covid-19 vaccine. 

Records at King Fahd Hospital show that   only 300 people have received the jab. The county has only received 1,500 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines so far.

 “If we were to imagine a scenario where every eligible person would accept to take the jab, would the county government’s medical services be well prepared to tackle it?” Walid Ahmed, from Save Lamu, a Community-based Organisation based in Lamu Island quips.

“It is highly unlikely that the Lamu County Government can achieve those vaccination rates because I do not think they have a clear plan to vaccinate all residents,” he adds. 

A section of frontline workers, who include medics and security agents have also revealed their unwillingness to take the Covid-19 vaccine.

However, County Commissioner Irungu Macharia led other senior security agents, including Police Commander Moses Muriithi to take the Covid-19 vaccine jab as part of the national government’s bid to sensitise the public, particularly those above 58 years and those with underlying conditions to take the vaccine.

Health Executive Dr Anne Gathoni says the county government remains committed to taking care of all residents through its Universal Health Care Programme throughout the pandemic, with at least 20,000 households covered through the National Hospital Insurance Fund.

In Turkana, barely days after the Covid-19 vaccine was administered to the first person in Turkana West, 423 others were vaccinated bringing the number to 424.

Turkana West Medical Officer of Health Robert Rotich said the vaccination exercise is taking place at Lopiding, Amusait and Kakuma Mission Hospital.

Dr Rotich said he will work hand in hand with the Sub-County Public Health Nurse and the respective focal persons in prompt reporting of updates. Report by Roy Lumbe, Wangari Njuguna and KNA

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