Turkana County Launches Major Vaccination Drive Targeting Over Half a Million Children
Lodwar, July 5, 2025 – Turkana County has rolled out an intensive 10-day Measles-Rubella and Typhoid vaccination campaign, targeting more than 544,000 children in a bid to curb rising disease outbreaks in the region. Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus flagged off vaccine distribution vehicles to all 11 sub-counties during the official launch in Lodwar on Saturday.
The campaign, running until July 14, aims to vaccinate 177,108 children aged 9–59 months against Measles-Rubella and 544,764 children aged 9 months to 14 years with the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine. The exercise forms part of a nationwide effort by the Ministry of Health to contain drug-resistant typhoid and frequent measles flare-ups across several Kenyan counties.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Erus emphasized the urgency of the campaign, describing measles and typhoid as highly infectious diseases that disproportionately affect young children.
Measles remains a leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths in children under five, while typhoid contributes to high treatment costs, school absenteeism, and significant illness among children under 15, he said.
He noted that measles outbreaks had recently been reported in Aroo, Loima, and Lokiriama, exposing critical immunity gaps within Turkana’s population.
County Executive for Health and Sanitation Dr. Epem Joseph Esekon warned that Turkana continues to face recurrent disease outbreaks—among them cholera, malaria, and measles—many of which begin in insecure areas where health workers often struggle to access vulnerable communities.
We urge national security agencies to strengthen safety in these places so our teams can reach every child without fear, Dr. Epem said.
Deputy County Commissioner Thomas Siele reassured residents that the national administration would work closely with the county to ensure every eligible child receives the vaccines, including those travelling through the region.
Health officials highlighted the importance of community participation, urging parents, teachers, religious leaders, and caregivers to support the exercise. Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Tioko reminded residents that both measles and typhoid are preventable, while Chief Officer for Medical Services Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel warned that children under 15 in Turkana bear the highest burden of preventable diseases.
Over the past two weeks, county health workers have undergone training to ensure efficient vaccine delivery across health facilities, schools, churches, and temporary outreach sites. At least 50 children received their vaccinations during the launch event held at Lodwar County Referral Hospital.
The ceremony brought together national and county health teams, development partners, and humanitarian organizations including WHO, UNICEF, Kenya Red Cross, International Rescue Committee, World Vision, World Relief, and several community-based groups.
Deputy Governor Erus called for cooperation from all stakeholders, saying:
Let us unite to eliminate these diseases and secure a healthier future for our children.