Push to Raise Immunization Rates in Ugenya

Parents have been urged to ensure their children receive all recommended immunization services as required by the Ministry of Health, in order to strengthen community herd immunity against preventable diseases.

This call was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held at Bykay Hotel in Sega, Ugenya Subcounty, Siaya County sponsored by  Path Kenya where participants gathered to discuss ways of improving immunization uptake after realizing coverage remains below 80 percent.

“Ugenya Subcounty has recorded vaccine uptake levels below 80 percent, while the average coverage should be at least 80 percent, with 95 percent being the optimal target,”  
— Joshua Ondege, Siaya County Immunization Coordinator

Stakeholders cited several challenges hindering full uptake, including lack of electricity in some health facilities for vaccine storage, shortage of health workers, frequent stockouts, low awareness on vaccine benefits, and limited immunization days. Another concern raised was that many parents stop taking their children for immunization after the first year, unaware that some vaccines are scheduled beyond 12 months.

To address these gaps, the meeting resolved to:

• Ensure health facilities provide vaccines daily and consistently.
• Partner with schools, churches, chiefs, barazas, and media houses to sensitize communities on the benefits of vaccination.
• Introduce a requirement for parents to present a child’s immunization card upon school admission.
• Hold regular stakeholder engagements for monitoring progress and feedback.

“Nursery school teachers should check children’s immunization status at admission and sensitize parents during school meetings,”
— Siprose Abwao, ECDE Ward Coordinator, Ukwala

“Parents must take responsibility for ensuring their children are vaccinated,”
— Paul Omondi, Dongruok CBO

Mr. Ondege further warned that failure to improve immunization coverage could expose communities to outbreaks of diseases such as measles, which spread quickly and pose a serious risk to children’s lives.

With collective effort from parents, health facilities, and community leaders, Ugenya has the opportunity to raise its immunization coverage and protect every child from preventable diseases.

---