Uganda Rolls Out Mass Vaccination Against Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a deadly disease that has plagued countries around the world for decades. In an effort to combat this health threat, the government of Uganda has initiated a mass vaccination campaign against yellow fever. Led by Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, this comprehensive campaign aims to protect the population and prevent the spread of the disease. The vaccination drive will be implemented in three phases, with the final phase expected to conclude next year.

Importance of the Mass Vaccination Campaign

Yellow fever is classified as one of the fourteen killer diseases, highlighting the severity of its impact. However, with the availability of vaccines, this devastating illness can be prevented. Dr. Atwine emphasizes the importance of the mass vaccination campaign, as it offers a significant opportunity to safeguard the health and well-being of the Ugandan population. By targeting 51 districts in the Lango, Acholi, Rwenzori, Ankole, West Nile, and Bunyoro sub-regions, the campaign aims to provide protection to a large portion of the country's population.

Overcoming Challenges and Delayed Implementation

The rollout of the yellow fever vaccination campaign faced several challenges that led to its delay. Outbreaks of COVID-19 and Ebola diseases posed significant hurdles, affecting the timely execution of the campaign. Despite these challenges, the government and the Ministry of Health took the necessary steps to overcome obstacles and ensure a successful vaccination drive.

Preparation and Execution

To ensure a smooth and effective vaccination campaign, extensive preparations were carried out. The procurement of vaccines, creation of awareness and response mechanisms, and establishment of vaccination units have been completed. Dr. Atwine stresses that the required infrastructure and resources are in place to support the successful implementation of the campaign.

Vaccination Process and Availability

The mass vaccination campaign aims to provide vaccines to all eligible individuals. A total of 1.4 million doses of the yellow fever vaccine have already been procured and are readily available in the country. The Ministry of Health has allocated a budget of 28 billion Shillings to support the campaign. It is important to note that a single dose of the vaccine is sufficient for lifelong protection against yellow fever, eliminating the need for a booster dose.

Voluntary Vaccination and Accessibility

The vaccination process is designed to be voluntary and accessible to all. Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the Senior Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Health, emphasizes that the vaccines will be provided free of charge. Door-to-door vaccination efforts will be carried out to ensure maximum coverage and participation. This approach aims to remove any financial barriers and make the vaccine accessible to all individuals.

Vaccination Schedule and Future Phases

The first phase of the mass vaccination campaign is scheduled to take place from 9th June to 13th June of this year. This initial phase will focus on the identified districts in the Lango, Acholi, Rwenzori, Ankole, West Nile, and Bunyoro sub-regions. The subsequent phases will be rolled out based on the availability of vaccines, with the goal of extending the campaign to other parts of the country.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Card and Travel Requirements

A yellow fever vaccination card serves as proof of immunization and is required for travel to certain countries. Acquiring this card from private health facilities usually costs no less than 100,000 shillings. Individuals planning to travel should ensure they possess the necessary vaccination documentation to comply with international travel regulations.

Seeking Accurate Information

The Ministry of Health urges the public to rely on accurate information from trusted health practitioners and to refrain from spreading misinformation or disinformation. It is essential to obtain information from reliable sources to ensure accurate understanding of the yellow fever vaccination campaign.

Yellow Fever in Uganda

Uganda is currently classified as a yellow fever endemic high-risk country by the World Health Organization. Despite this classification, the population's immunity to the disease remains relatively low. Yellow fever in Uganda is primarily transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti or Haemagogus mosquito species. Sylvatic, or jungle, transmission is the main source of outbreaks, where infected mosquitoes transmit the virus from primates to humans during activities in forested areas. Once infected, humans can then transmit the virus to other areas, including urban centers, through mosquito bites.

Seriousness and Impact of Yellow Fever

Yellow fever infections can lead to severe illness, with mortality rates ranging from 30% to 60% in severe cases. Currently, there are no specific therapeutics available to treat the disease. However, early supportive care significantly increases the chances of survival.

Conclusion

The mass vaccination campaign against yellow fever in Uganda represents a vital step towards protecting the population from this deadly disease. Through the concerted efforts of the government, the Ministry of Health, and healthcare professionals, this comprehensive initiative aims to prevent the spread of yellow fever and reduce its impact on the population. By ensuring accessibility, voluntary participation, and accurate information dissemination, Uganda strives to safeguard the health and well-being of its people.

References :

(Independent - [https://www.independent.co.ug/uganda-rolls-out-mass-vaccination-against-yellow-fever/)