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Safe Vaccines for Livestock Campaign

Safe Vaccines for Livestock Campaign

Kenya Veterinary Vaccine Production Institute (Kevevapi) assured farmers that the foot-and-mouth disease vaccines are safe. It dismissed claims of harmful substances or links to a global warming agenda.

Kevevapi, the region’s only vaccine producer, will supply doses for the campaign. The Kenya Veterinary Association questioned Kevevapi’s capacity to meet the demand. They also raised concerns about the heavy reliance on imported raw materials, which make up 90% of supplies.

Managing Director Alex Sabuni clarified that antigen production happens at the Embakasi facility in Nairobi. He explained that materials like glucose, serum, and aluminium hydroxide come from China, Argentina, and France. However, Sabuni emphasized that Kevevapi manufactures the antigens locally.

Kevevapi recently upgraded its facilities with new bioreactors. “We now have three working bioreactors and are preparing a fourth,” Sabuni said. These upgrades will raise vaccine production to 60 million doses annually, up from less than one million in 2024.

The campaign will begin with vaccines covering all four disease strains. Sabuni stated that they would later target specific serotypes based on regional data. Kevevapi, which supplies vaccines to countries like Zambia and Senegal, will use its experience to support the national campaign.

Critics highlighted Kevevapi’s history of delayed deliveries. Sabuni blamed these delays on pandemic-related disruptions. He stressed that proper planning could prevent similar issues. Despite challenges, Sabuni remains hopeful. “Starting is the hardest part. Once we begin, things will improve,” he said.

The vaccination drive will start in Laikipia County. It aims to protect livestock and support Kenya’s dairy industry. Repeated outbreaks and quarantines have badly affected the sector.

Read Also: Nairobi County Rolls Out Plans for a Cleaner and Safer City

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