Uganda’s Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF, has officially launched its second national polio vaccination campaign. This national effort, aimed at safeguarding children against the potentially devastating effects of polio, is part of the country’s ongoing commitment to keeping Uganda polio-free.
The campaign kicked off at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala, with a clear focus on securing a healthier future for mothers and children across Uganda. This initiative includes a nationwide, house-to-house vaccination effort targeting children under five, ensuring that even the most remote communities are reached and protected from the virus.
While the campaign was initially set to reach millions of children across Uganda, the ongoing Ebola outbreak has led to some adjustments. Five districts, including Kampala, Mukono, Wakiso, Mubende, and Kasanda, have been excluded from the vaccination efforts to prevent any overlap with the ongoing Ebola response. Despite this, the Ministry of Health is determined to cover the rest of the country, ensuring that as many children as possible are vaccinated.
At the launch event, Minister of Health Hon. Ruth Aceng emphasized the need for collective action in the fight against polio, calling on parents, guardians, and local authorities to support the campaign. “I urge everyone—parents, guardians, partners, and local governments—to ensure that every child is vaccinated and protected,” she said. Her call highlights the importance of community involvement to help eliminate the risk of polio.
Dr. Alfred Drewali, the Program Manager for Uganda’s National Expanded Program on Immunization (UNEPI), acknowledged the challenges that continue to impede full vaccination coverage. “Currently, about two percent of children born each year do not receive their vaccinations,” Dr. Drewali stated, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to close this gap and ensure all children are immunized. He also praised the role of health workers and local leaders in reaching out to vulnerable populations.
The campaign’s urgency is further emphasized by the discovery of a polio variant earlier in the year. The virus was identified in environmental samples, which prompted swift action from the Ministry of Health to launch this nationwide immunization drive. The polio variant in question was one that had been absent from Uganda’s routine immunization program since 2016, making this campaign all the more vital.
Polio is a highly contagious disease caused by the poliovirus. While most children who are infected do not show symptoms, the virus can lead to paralysis in severe cases. It spreads primarily through contaminated water, food, or contact with infected feces. Polio can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Although the majority of polio cases are mild, the disease remains a serious public health threat due to its potential to cause irreversible paralysis.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent polio, and Uganda’s efforts are part of a global movement to eradicate the disease. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) is key to protecting children, and the government, in partnership with organizations such as WHO and UNICEF, is working to ensure that every eligible child is vaccinated.
For mothers like Ms. Teopista, the national immunization campaign comes at a crucial time. A mother of three, she understands the importance of vaccination in safeguarding her children’s health. Reflecting on her own childhood, when fewer vaccines were available and many children succumbed to diseases, she shared her determination to ensure her children receive the protection they need. “When we were growing up, there weren’t many vaccines, and many children got sick and died. I can’t let that happen to my children,” she explained.
Ms. Teopista, whose children are all eligible for the polio vaccine, is not only ensuring that her own children are vaccinated but also plans to encourage other mothers in her community to do the same. “I’m going to talk to my neighbors, especially during our group meetings, and make sure they understand the importance of vaccination,” she added. Her efforts are part of a broader initiative to raise awareness and ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.
The vaccination campaign was preceded by an earlier effort earlier in the year, which was initiated after a polio variant was detected in the environment. This first round also involved health workers and local teams going door-to-door to immunize children across the country.
International organizations have also voiced their support for Uganda’s vaccination efforts. Dr. Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, WHO’s representative to Uganda, praised the country’s proactive approach to vaccine-preventable diseases. He emphasized that vaccination is a critical tool in preventing diseases like polio and that high vaccination coverage is essential for protecting both the health of individuals and the broader community.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Health and international partners such as WHO, UNICEF, the CDC, and others has been essential in making this campaign a reality. These efforts have played a key role in ensuring that Uganda remains on track to eliminate polio and protect future generations from the devastating effects of this preventable disease.
By continuing to strengthen its immunization programs, Uganda is taking significant steps toward eradicating polio and safeguarding the health of its children. This ongoing campaign is a testament to the country’s commitment to public health and the global effort to eradicate polio once and for all.
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