Kenya to Receive 2.34 Million BCG Vaccine Doses Amid Health Sector Tensions

Written By Lisa Murimi

Kenya is set to receive 2.34 million doses of the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine by the end of January 2025, Health Director-General Dr. Patrick Amoth confirmed on Wednesday. 

The shipment aims to address shortages that have put children at risk of tuberculosis.

During a press briefing, Dr. Amoth reassured the public that delays in vaccine delivery from Gavi had been resolved. 

He urged county health directors to document unvaccinated children, ensuring no one is left behind. 

He also commended Murang’a County for covering vaccination costs for underprivileged families, encouraging other counties to follow suit.

Cabinet Secretary for Health Deborah Barasa reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving vaccine shortages, expressing confidence that the doses would arrive on time.

In the same briefing, the Ministry of Health clarified there are no shortages of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), despite confusion linked to the transition to the DTG regimen.

However, internal leadership wrangles within the ministry are raising concerns. Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai and CS Barasa are at odds over the appointment of Andrew Mulwa to head the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP). 

The standoff threatens to derail critical initiatives like Taifa Care, underscoring the urgent need for cohesion in the health sector.