Tolgos launches Hepatitis B immunisation drive after six deaths in Elgeyo Marakwet

Six people have died of Hepatitis B and another 21 have tested positive for the disease in Elgeyo Marakwet county in the last four months.

The deaths have prompted the county government to embark on an immunisation campaign against the disease that has spread fast in the region.

Governor Alex Tolgos said the county has lowered the cost of vaccination from Sh1000 to Sh 600.

This was after new cases were recorded in the county which raised fears on the spread of the disease.

“The disease is a health challenge which my administration is taking seriously and putting in place all the necessary intervention measures," Tolgos said.

Tolgos made the announcement on Wednesday when he led a team of county health officers during a medical screening exercise at Matira Health Center in Kapsowar Ward.

The county boss was the first to be screened and given the jab at the centre.

The immunisation drive targets to cover most of the wards in the county.

About 700 people were screened during the exercise in Kapsowar area.

Some 13 new cases were recorded in Endo ward with one case each reported in Emsoo and Soy South.

A secondary student also tested positive for Hepatitis B in Kamariny ward.

“We have to make sure that our people are vaccinated. The rate at which new cases are being recorded is worrying," Tolgos said.

Among those who died included a medical practitioner.

Health executive Kiprono Chepkok said many cases of the disease go unreported.

The worst-hit areas are Kapsowar, Moiben-Kuserwo and Cherangany-Chebororwa wards..

"We have reduced the costs of vaccination so that we can reach as many people as possible," Chepkok said.

He said residents would be allowed to pay sh 200 per visit until completion of the required dose.

Deputy Governor Wisley Rotich who also attended the exercise urged residents to take advantage of the waiver and make sure they are vaccinated.

Schools will also be targeted during the vaccination exercise.