Project Period: February 2023 – March 2025
Focus Area: Muhoroni Sub-County (32 immunizing health facilities)
Ciheb-Kenya, in collaboration with partners, is implementing a project in Kisumu County aimed at integrating COVID-19 vaccination into routine immunization (RI) services. The initiative, piloted in Muhoroni Sub-County, seeks to enhance immunization coverage for both essential childhood antigens and COVID-19 vaccines.
Background
The integration project was launched to address gaps in immunization coverage and strengthen the health system’s ability to deliver vaccines through a more coordinated and sustainable approach. The project uses a three-pronged strategy:
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Health Facility Screening and Linkage
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Community Engagement
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Defaulter Tracing and Referral
Phased Implementation
Pilot Phase: February – June 2023
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Implemented in 6 health facilities in Muhoroni Sub-County.
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Focused on screening at facility level, community sensitization, and defaulter tracing.
Scale-Up Phase: June 2023 – February 2024
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Based on pilot results, the intervention was expanded to an additional 6 facilities.
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Support included improved tracking of missed opportunities and strengthened follow-up systems.
Mapping Phase: March – June 2024
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Zero-dose mapping conducted in all 12 participating health facilities.
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Identified children who had missed routine doses and referred them for immunization.
Full Roll-Out: July – September 2024
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The three-pronged strategy expanded to cover all 32 immunizing health facilities in Muhoroni Sub-County.
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Key focus areas included:
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Capacity building for healthcare workers (HCWs), community health assistants (CHAs), and community health promoters (CHPs)
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Screening and referral at both community and facility levels
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Appointment and defaulter management
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Ongoing zero-dose mapping
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Improved documentation and reporting
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Key Achievements (as of September 2024)
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Community Outreach & Mapping
Reached 32,399 households and screened 13,679 children under five, identifying 37 zero-dose, 23 under-immunized, and 2,723 children who had missed at least one vaccine dose—all referred for vaccination. -
COVID-19 Vaccination Screening
Assessed 104,427 individuals aged 12+; of these, 84% were fully vaccinated, 5% partially vaccinated, and 11% unvaccinated. -
Adolescent & Childhood Immunization Support
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5,930 adolescent girls screened for HPV vaccination; 47% fully vaccinated, 34% partially, 19% unvaccinated.
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43,481 children under five screened for Measles-Rubella; over 38,000 identified as eligible for MR1 or MR2.
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27,365 children screened for RTS,S malaria vaccine; identified 1,434 children needing initiation or completion of the vaccine series.
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Conclusion
This project demonstrates the feasibility and impact of integrating COVID-19 vaccination into routine immunization services. By leveraging community-facility linkages and data-driven outreach, Ciheb-Kenya continues to close immunization gaps and promote healthier futures for communities in Kisumu County.