The Ministry of Health has launched a nationwide immunisation campaign to protect children from typhoid and measles-rubella, following a sharp rise in drug-resistant typhoid cases and a growing number of measles outbreaks across the country.

The campaign as announced by Health CS Aden Duale will run from July 5 to 14, 2025, targeting children aged 9 months to 14 years for typhoid vaccination and those aged 9 to 59 months for measles-rubella.

The government says the campaign comes at a time when antimicrobial-resistant typhoid is spreading, with children under 15 bearing the greatest burden and those under five facing the highest risk of death.

Urbanisation and climate change have worsened the situation, putting more children at risk.

“Vaccination has proven to be a powerful tool in stopping this disease,” Duale said in a statement on Wednesday.

Kenya has also confirmed measles outbreaks in 18 counties, with 2,949 cases and 18 deaths recorded between January 2024 and February 2025.

The ministry says low uptake of the second measles-rubella dose, which is due at 18 months, has left thousands of children unprotected.

To address these twin threats, the Health Ministry, in partnership with counties and development partners, is conducting a Supplementary Immunisation Activity (SIA).

Children between 9 and 59 months will be vaccinated against measles-rubella, while those between 9 months and 14 years will receive the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV).

Following the exercise, TCV will be added to the national routine immunisation schedule for all children at 9 months of age.

“This rollout is a firm demonstration of the Kenya Government’s commitment to ensuring that no child dies from a vaccine-preventable disease. We will not relent until every child, in every village and town, is protected through timely vaccination,” Duale stated.

Parents, caregivers and communities have been urged to present all eligible children for vaccination during the 10-day exercise.

The ministry also appealed to local leaders, health workers and faith groups to help mobilise the public and ensure the campaign reaches its targets.

The ministry is aiming for 95 percent measles-rubella coverage and 80 percent typhoid vaccine coverage.

“No child should suffer or die from diseases we can prevent,” Duale noted