The Health Non-Governmental Organisations Network (HENNET) has raised serious concerns about the recurring vaccine stock-outs in Kenya, attributing the problem to a significant reduction in the country’s budgetary allocation for immunisation. Faith Ndungu, HENNET’s Advocacy and Communication Manager, emphasized that there was a direct link between the country’s budget cuts and the ongoing shortage of vaccines.
According to Ndungu, a shocking Sh463.1 million was slashed from the immunisation management budget in the Financial Year 2023/2024 supplementary budget. This reduction has exacerbated the already pressing issue of vaccine shortages, leaving many Kenyans vulnerable to preventable diseases.
Despite the alarming cuts, Ndungu pointed out that the true causes of the vaccine stock-out issue have yet to be fully understood. “There has to be a reason why this is happening,” she said, expressing her concern over the lack of clarity in identifying the root causes. To address this gap, HENNET plans to conduct a comprehensive root cause analysis in the coming year. The findings will guide the development of a strategic plan aimed at tackling the problem effectively in 2025 and beyond.
In an optimistic but cautious tone, Ndungu shared her hope that Kenya would not face another stock-out crisis. She emphasized that the Constitution of Kenya guarantees every citizen the right to the highest attainable healthcare, including access to vaccines. “The government has a responsibility to ensure that all eligible individuals receive vaccinations,” she said, referring to the immunisation agenda for 2030, which aims to achieve universal immunisation coverage.
However, Ndungu pointed out the challenges faced by parents in ensuring that their children are vaccinated, particularly in light of the current stock-outs. She highlighted that although the government has committed to providing vaccines and implementing a catch-up plan for children who missed their birth vaccinations, there are additional burdens on families. For many parents, the financial strain of travel to health facilities, covering transport costs, food during the journey, and the disruption to their daily lives can be significant.
“There needs to be a broader conversation about the roles and responsibilities of all players involved,” she added. Ndungu stressed that while a catch-up plan is essential, the plan’s success hinges on addressing the broader financial implications for families and ensuring access to health services for all.
Furthermore, she called for sustainable mechanisms to ensure that routine vaccines are consistently available and that children are not left vulnerable to diseases. This is particularly crucial as the stock-out problem could have long-term effects on the health of the population, especially the youngest and most vulnerable.
Ndungu also urged the Ministry of Health (MOH) to put in place an effective catch-up plan to immunise children who have missed vaccines. She suggested that stakeholders push for funding of the immunisation program through the Primary Health Care Fund, ensuring long-term sustainability, especially in the absence of donor funding. “Relying too heavily on donor organizations to manage the immunisation program is risky,” she cautioned. “The country could face even more severe vaccine shortages if these donors decide to pull their support.”
In conclusion, HENNET’s concerns underscore the urgent need for more stable and reliable funding for immunisation in Kenya. With the right strategic planning and a commitment to both domestic and international support, the country can prevent further stock-outs and protect its population from the threat of preventable diseases. The time for action is now, and it is critical that the necessary steps are taken to safeguard the health of future generations.
