The Nairobi County governor, Evans Kidero on Monday took to his Facebook page to announce to his county residents of the free immunisation services rendered by the public city hospitals.
The governor posted that the City Hall had allocated a total of sh118, 000, 000 towards facilitating measles and rubella immunisation in the county. He, therefore, informed the public that immunisation against the two named ailments is offered in all public health facilities in the county free of charge. He encouraged the city residents to take advantage of the free services noting that his administration is committed to promoting good health.
It should be noted that measles is an incurable viral disease that is highly contagious. The only way to curb the disease is through immunisation with a weakened form of the virus that awakens the body immune. Once someone contracts measles, it is very hard to contain it since it is fast spread through coughing and sneezing for its airborne nature. Rubella is also a viral disease, and just like measles, has no cure. It is similarly controlled through vaccination.
Just weeks ago, the government launched a polio campaign targeted at protecting all Kenyan children below the age of ten against ailment. Kidero’s announcement is definitely a move that aims to cushion the city against contagious diseases.
The remaining task is now for parents and guardians to make sure their family members are vaccinated against the two viral diseases.