The government has rolled out a National accelerated COVID-19 vaccination campaign targeting to have 10 million people vaccinated in the next 3 months.
Through the Ministry of Health, the Campaign has a mid-term plan to administer 5.8 million vaccines by Mashujaaa day celebrations on October 20, 2021.
The national accelerated COVID-19 vaccination campaign slogan is “kuwa shujaa, pata chanjo tufungue nchi.”
The launch of the campaign in Kiambu coincided with the flagging off of mobile vaccinations outreaches in Counties and also saw hundreds of Kiambu residents get vaccinated.
“We are appealing to other county governments to do exactly the same, let us mobilise the vehicles that we have for other purposes so that we can reach the unreached as far as vaccination is concerned,’’ explained the CS.
The CS thanked the global community for continued support in vaccine supplies that has resulted in the arrival of multiple vaccines but also expressed concern on the continued inequality in access of vaccines especially within the African continent.
“We are appealing to the world community to stop vaccine apartheid, where some countries are vaccinating even children while the rest of the world have not started vaccinating adults and yet when you look at the evidence and science in front of our eyes we do not see the necessity in intensifying children vaccines,’’ Kagwe noted
The CS cautioned the public against spreading misinformation and untruths that hinder effective deployment of vaccines, urging the media to partner with government in ensuring accurate information is circulated.
UNICEF Country Director Maniza Zaman urged the global community to unite and ensure equity in access of COVID-19 vaccines.
“International solidarity during this time is critical it is important to work towards vaccine equity; we must balance the equation,’’ she said
Zaman also emphasised that all COVID-19 vaccines are safe and have been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Rockefeller Foundation Managing Director Africa Region office William Asiko while commending the continued initiative by government in COVID 19 response, pledged to continue supporting efforts to end the pandemic.
“The Rockefeller foundation stands with the National and County Governments; we continue to work with the Ministry on matters around communication, logistics and equitable vaccine distribution,” said Mr Asiko.
Kiambu Governor Dr James Nyoro explained the important role vaccines play in boosting one’s immunity to fight the disease and urged residents to continue observing preventive protocols to avoid a surge of new infections.
The leaders emphasised on the need for all to continue observing the other COVID-19 preventive measures even after being vaccinated, namely properly wearing a face mask; practicing hand hygiene and maintaining a social distance.
By Wangari Ndirangu
