Kibera residents have been urged by the Ministry of Health to avail their children for immunisation.
The ministry plans to launch a nationwide immunisation on Monday.
According to Ephantus Maree, the head of vaccines and immunisation in the Health Ministry, the government seeks to reach to about 19 million children who shall be immunised with anti-measles injections in what is considered as Kenya’s biggest vaccination campaign.
‘‘The exercise shall officially kick off on Monday and will run across the country for a period of seven days,’’ said Maree.
The government will administer MR vaccine that will also protect the children against rubella which is mild but is considered a potentially dangerous viral ailment. Measles is a very contagious disease that can cause premature deaths either directly or by rapidly weakening body immune systems thus predisposing children to other deadly infections.
‘‘The MR vaccine is safe and parents and guardians should take their children to public health centres for immunisation,’’ added Maree.
Children who had earlier on been immunised are also required to go for the vaccination exercise.