The Ministry of Health on Thursday launched a measles-rubella vaccination campaign in the wake of an outbreak reported across six counties.

The ten-day campaign, which will be conducted across seven counties of Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa, Nairobi, Turkana, Mandera and West Pokot, targets to vaccinate 1.2 million children aged between 9 to 59 months.

Speaking in Garissa County during the launch of the campaign, PS State Department for Medical Services Eng. Peter Tum who was representing Health CS Susan Nakhumicha urged the public, parents and guardians to ensure their children receive additional doses of the Measles and Rubella vaccine.

“Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, which affects mostly children and those below 5 years who are the most at risk of severe disease or even death. The vaccine will protect against Rubella disease which resembles measles,” observed engineer Tum.

PS Eng. Tum said the vaccine will be delivered through in-fixed posts and temporary-fixed outreach posts supported by UNHCR, Gavi and UNICEF.

The PS said the government is determined to improve mother and child conditions and observed that the number of children who die young had reduced due to immunization and improved health services.

“The Ministry of Health in line with the Afra Bora Mashinani initiative, is keen to ensure that primary health mcare services reach those who need them in time & we are committed to supporting devolution & collaborating with counties to make this a reality,” said the PS.

The launch of the campaign follows the reported measles outbreak in 6 counties of Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit, Nairobi, Turkana and Wajir.