County partners with clergy in Covid- 19 vaccination exercise

Iten, Thursday April 20, 2023 

K.N.A By Alice Wanjiru

Elgeyo Marakwet county has partnered with the clergy in its bid to reach out to thousands of residents who are yet to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

The county director of medical services Dr. Isaac Kipyego said that out of a population of around 500,000 residents in the county as per the 2019 census, only 126,000 people have been vaccinated.

Speaking during a meeting with the inter religious council in an Iten hotel, the director said only a total of 29,000 people have been fully vaccinated with 11,000 having received the booster dose, while 86,000 have received their first dose.

He called for support from the clergy to help in reaching out to the larger population, which is yet to be vaccinated saying the disease is still in the country and with residents not observing the MOH covid-19 prevention measures.

Dr. Kipyego said there were many cases of flu which takes time to recover, hence the urgent need for vaccination.

He regretted that there was a lot of misinformation which made people to shun away from the vaccine, citing claims that it results to infertility, while men will lose their virility saying this was not supported by science.

Rashid Chebii, who is the chair Muslim council called on residents to heed the government advice and go for the vaccine, especially as the cold season sets in which will see a rise in flu cases.

 Courtesy K.N.A