A renewed push to improve child health protection has taken center stage in Kitui County after the Health NGO’s Network (HENNET) convened a stakeholder workshop focused on immunization advocacy. The training, held under the theme “Every Child, Every Dose, Every Time,” brought together key players including media practitioners, health experts, and community representatives to strengthen awareness and outreach efforts on child vaccination.
The forum was led by Lucia Wambua alongside other HENNET officials, with coordination support from Kennedy of Youth Connect, who serves as the organization’s representative in Kitui. The organizers noted that engaging the media was strategic in ensuring accurate dissemination of information on immunization and addressing misinformation that often hinders vaccine uptake.
During the session, media participants were sensitized on the critical role vaccines play in preventing life-threatening diseases such as measles, polio, and pneumonia. Health experts emphasized that timely and complete immunization not only protects individual children but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the risk of disease outbreaks within communities.
Stakeholders also discussed the existing gaps in immunization coverage, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Challenges such as limited access to health facilities, lack of awareness among caregivers, and vaccine hesitancy were highlighted as key barriers that require urgent and coordinated interventions.
HENNET called for stronger collaboration between health actors, community leaders, and caregivers to boost immunization uptake across Kitui County. The organization urged sustained awareness campaigns and partnerships aimed at reaching every household, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind in accessing life-saving vaccines.
Health NGOs Network (HENNET)
HENNET (Health NGOs Network) is a Kenyan non-governmental organization that brings together health-focused NGOs and civil society groups to strengthen healthcare systems and advocacy across the country.
It acts as a coordination and networking platform, enabling different health organizations to work together, share knowledge, and influence public health policies. HENNET is especially active in areas such as:
• Immunization advocacy
• Maternal and child health
• Health systems strengthening
• Community awareness and engagement
One of its key roles is advocacy—working with government agencies, partners, and communities to push for better health services, increased funding, and improved access to care. For example, HENNET frequently organizes workshops and campaigns like “Every Child, Every Dose, Every Time”, which promotes full and timely vaccination for children.
In counties like Kitui and others across Kenya, HENNET supports capacity-building trainings, helping local stakeholders—including health workers, community leaders, and media—understand and promote critical health issues.
In simple terms, HENNET helps connect organizations, amplify community voices, and improve health outcomes across Kenya.
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