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Health ministry expands malaria vaccination in Lake region

Thursday, March 9th, 2023 03:30 | By
Mosquito. PHOTO/Courtesy
Mosquito. PHOTO/Pexels

The Ministry of Health has expanded its malaria vaccination programme to 25 additional sub counties in the endemic Lake Region with an aim of protection young children.

Speaking during the launch of a malaria vaccination campaign in Vihiga yesterday acting Director General of Health, Dr Patrick Amoth (pictured), on behalf of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha said this is a significant step in the fight against malaria.

Amoth said malaria is one of the top 10 causes of illness and death in the country and a leading killer of children under the age of five.

Amoth revealed since the introduction of the malaria vaccine in 2019, close to 400,000 children have been vaccinated in the lake endemic counties of Kisumu, Kakamega, Siaya, Homabay, Migori, Busia, Bungoma, and Vihiga.

 He noted that within these areas, there has been a substantial reduction in severe malaria, a drop in child hospitalisations and a reduction in child deaths.

Amoth said following the recommendation by World Health Organisation(WHO) in October 2021, the Ministry of Health is now expanding malaria vaccination to 25 additional sub counties within the lake region, targeting an additional 133,000 infants annually.

 He said the vaccine will be available in all the immunising health facilities within the 51 sub counties at no cost.  “The Ministry of Health urges all caregivers in the lake endemic regions to bring their children to receive this malaria vaccine where it is available and make sure to complete all the required four doses to get the best protection from the vaccine,” urged Amoth.

Vihiga governor Wilber Ottichilo who graced the launch of the vaccination said the county has witnessed a drop in child hospitalizations, and a reduction in child deaths.  Ottichilo noted malaria prevalence in Vihiga has drastically dropped as low as 9 per cent.

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