UN LAUNCHES MEASLES, POLIO INITIATIVE IN KENYA

The United Nations has launched a measles and polio campaign targeting 5.5 million children in Kenya, the organization reported. So far, more than half a million children under the age of five in Kenya's central and northeastern provinces have been immunized against the diseases in the first phase of the program.

The campaign seeks to reach 95 per cent of vulnerable children in the targeted provinces. In addition to receiving measles and polio vaccines, children under five will be administered vitamin A supplements to further boost their immunity. Research has shown that vitamin A can reduce infant mortality by 25 per cent.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has donated $3.47 million to support the program. The World Health Organization has contributed $3.33 million.