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Kenya could miss the opportunity to save billions of shillings to speed up the search for universal health coverage if the current trend of lower immunization rates is not reversed, according to data on the health of children.
Illnesses and deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases cost SSA 1.3 trillion per year in sub-Saharan Africa – resources that could be spent on strengthening health systems and creating savings , according to WHO figures.
"Vaccine-preventable diseases play a major role in the causes of illness and death, especially among children in Kenya. Since it is much cheaper to prevent a disease than to treat it, prioritizing immunization in Universal Health Coverage will greatly contribute to achieving the goals of UHC, "said Dr. Rudi Eggers, WHO Representative in Kenya.
A 2016 study conducted by the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health in 94 low- and middle-income countries estimates that for every shilling invested in immunization, a country saves an average of 16 shillings in the system. and the wider economy benefits Sh44, preventing death and disability in children and keeping parents and families at work, instead of spending time looking after children. Sick or disabled children.
& # 39; & # 39; By vaccinating children, we do more than prevent disease and save lives. We also ensure that children receive the education they deserve and make valuable time for their families, as they no longer need to make long visits to the hospital. Vaccines also release scarce government funds, "said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 31 million children under five suffer each year from vaccine-preventable diseases. More than half a million of them are dying for lack of access to the vaccines they need.
In Kenya, according to the United Nations Children's Fund, one in three children under five is at risk of contracting diseases that can be prevented by vaccination.
A NationNewsplex review of the national pattern of full immunization coverage shows that Kenya is one of many African countries not taking advantage of the huge investment opportunity.
Kenya's immunization coverage has been steadily declining for five years, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). In 2017, the country recorded a total coverage of 63% for complete vaccination of children under one year of age, a minimum of 12 years and a rate below the African average of 72%, stagnant for five years. Complete immunization is defined as a child who has received BCG for TB; three doses of DTP vaccine to prevent diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DTP); at least three doses of polio vaccine; and one dose of measles vaccine.
More than half a million children missed vaccination in 2017, says the Ministry of Health. Mandera County had the lowest coverage (25%), followed by West Pokot (40%) and Trans Nzoia (44%).
According to the ministry, one in five children is not fully immunized before their first birthday with vaccine formulations against 10 childhood diseases.
Although the very low coverage was caused largely by the five-month nurses' strike, the country's vaccination rate has been falling since 2012, when it stood at 83%, compared with 30% in 2000.
Kenya's immunization program is jointly funded by the Government and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi), which provided a total of 47.9 billion shillings from 2000 to 2018 for immunization and non-vaccine support. Gavi's data indicates that Kenya spends between 10 and 25 percent of its budget each year on vaccines.
However, this collaboration has been fragile over the past five years, with vaccination coverage steadily declining.
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