H.E. Margaret Kenyattas Speech During the Launch of the Rotavirus Vaccine Good afternoon Today is another great day that all of us are gathered here to reaffirm our commitments to improving child survival in our country. We are here to launch a Rotavirus Vaccine that prevents diarrhea - one of the major causes of child morbidity and mortality. This vaccine may have been beyond the reach of many Kenyan families due to cost. It will from today be available to all children six (6) weeks old in all health facilities in the country free of charge. As I promised last year, I am prepared to do anything within my power to ensure that the health of mothers and children in Kenya is safeguarded. It is for this reason that I launched the “Beyond Zero” campaign. This campaign focuses on promoting the best interventions to improve our health care services. Through my Beyond Zero Foundation, I wish to support various activities that will enhance maternal, new born and children’s health in all the 47 Counties. Severe diarrhea diseases contribute up to 40% of all cases of hospitalization of children under 5 years. However, this can be prevented through observing simple personal hygiene such as washing hands with soap and water, proper waste disposal and drinking of boiled water. Diarrhea in children can also be significantly prevented through immunization. That is why I have joined Kenyans today as we inaugurate the use of rotavirus vaccination in our immunization schedule. The rotavirus vaccine which I am launching today is safe is easy to administer. The roll out of this vaccine will cover all the 47 Counties and reach every new born baby in this country. This will protect 1.4 million children from preventable diarrhea and avert over 5,000 deaths in the next one year. We shall all celebrate once this objective is met. I wish to congratulate the Ministry of Health for spearheading this noble initiative. The Beyond Zero Foundation is proud to be your partner in this venture. May I also thank the various organizations, both locally and internationally who have extended their hand to assist the government in improving the health of our citizens. In particular let me thank the Global Alliance for Vaccines & Immunization (GAVI) together with other partners for the support towards the introduction of this new vaccine to our public health services. Immunization is a public health priority at county, national as well as at global level. It is one of the most cost effective health interventions. I therefore appeal to all parents, guardians and caretakers of all Kenyan children to take their young ones for vaccination as is recommended by the Ministry of Health. By doing this, we shall not only save lives but also help our children grow successfully to realize their life dreams. It is now my pleasure to officially launch Rotavirus Vaccine in Kenya. Please join me as we vaccinate and protect our children from diarrhoea. ASANTE SANA
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 17:10:05 +0000
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