Catholic Cardinal in Kenya Opposes Government-led Campaign to Vaccinate Only Child-bearing Aged Women with Tetanus

Don't boys and men also need protection from tetanus? That is one of many questions being asked by Catholic officials in Kenya questioning a national tetanus vaccination program targeting only women aged 14-49 years. Joylene Sing'oei writing for the English language Kenyan publication Standard Media reports: The church claims the initiative covering 60 districts has had limited public awareness unlike other national health initiatives that are preceded by a public launch where the public can ask questions. In a statement sent to newsrooms by Catholic Health Commission of Kenya Wednesday evening, the church further alleges that there has been no adequate stakeholder engagement for consultation both in the preparation and implementation of the campaign. The questions the church has put across are; 1- Is there a tetanus crisis on women of child bearing age in Kenya? If this is so, why has it not been declared? 2- Why does the campaign target women of 14 - 49 years? 3- Why has the campaign left out young girls, boys and men even if they are all prone to tetanus? 4- In the midst of so many life threatening diseases in Kenya, why has tetanus been prioritized?