Introduction:
Routine immunization uptake in Ilula Central, a rural community within the Cheboin sub-location of Kapsoya Ward, Uasin Gishu County, had persistently lagged behind national targets, creating a dangerous immunity gap among children under five. For years, the community faced ongoing challenges in achieving adequate vaccination coverage, often falling below the County’s average of 70.1% for DPT3 coverage, as reported in the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS). A combination of factors has contributed to this situation, including widespread misinformation about vaccine safety, logistical barriers to accessing health services, and resistance from certain religious groups that express skepticism toward modern medical practices.
In early 2023, public health surveillance systems detected three confirmed cases of measles in Ilula Central, along with 26 zero-dose cases identified within a single month. Subsequent epidemiological investigations revealed troubling trends, including gaps in childhood immunization coverage and limited caregiver awareness of vaccine-preventable diseases. Community surveys further underscored the need for enhanced public health education and improved access to routine immunization services. Focus group discussions with local mothers uncovered deeply rooted myths, such as fears that vaccines cause infertility or contain forbidden animal products.
These findings exposed weaknesses in the area’s primary healthcare infrastructure. Although the community is nominally served by 13 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) under the Kogilgei Community Unit, their efforts have been hindered by cultural barriers and a lack of trust. Religious leaders from minority sects have actively discouraged followers from attending vaccination drives, while some traditional herbalists continue to promote harmful practices, such as treating ailments with herbal enemas instead of referring cases to health facilities. With the threat of further outbreaks looming, urgent action was needed to address these gaps and protect the community’s children.
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