Kenya to receive 2.34 million BCG vaccine doses before end of January, Health Director-General Amoth says
Health DG Dr Patrick Amoth reassured the public that delays in vaccine delivery from Gavi had been resolved.
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, has confirmed.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, Dr Amoth reassured the public that delays in vaccine delivery from Gavi had been resolved.
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"The batch is expected in the country by the end of the month. County health directors must ensure all children missing vaccinations are documented to guarantee no child is left behind," said Dr. Amoth.
He also urged counties to emulate Murang'a County's initiative of covering vaccination costs for underprivileged families.
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Deborah Barasa, reaffirmed the Government's commitment to resolving vaccine shortages.
"While there have been delays, we are confident that the 2.34 million doses will arrive before the end of January," she stated.
ARV supplies
The Ministry of Health also addressed concerns regarding the availability of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs).
KEMSA CEO Dr Waqo Dulacha Ejersa: "I just want to clear the air that there is no stockout for ARVs in the country. We are stable and we are okay courtesy of the Government of Kenya, the Global Fund, and the United States Government. With all these combined, we have enough ARVs,… pic.twitter.com/euZW6uppEO
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) January 15, 2025
Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) CEO Dr Waqo Dulacha Ejersa confirmed that there are no shortages.
"The confusion arose from the transition to the DTG regimen. However, our supply programme is intact and aligned with global HIV management standards," he clarified.
At the same time, The Office of the Director General has been designated as the sole communicator on technical matters regarding Taifa Care, following a directive from CS Barasa.
The move aims to curb misinformation as internal tensions within the Ministry of Health escalate.
The leadership wrangles intensified after Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai appointed former Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) boss Andrew Mulwa to head the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP).
CS Mulongo swiftly revoked the appointment, but PS Kimtai has stood his ground, asserting his authority as the legitimate appointing officer.
The standoff has put a spotlight on the growing divisions within the ministry, potentially jeopardising the rollout of critical health initiatives like Taifa Care.
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