IGANGA, Uganda — The Ministry of Health has officially launched the third and final phase of its comprehensive Yellow Fever mass vaccination campaign, targeting approximately five million individuals aged one to 60 across 17 remaining districts in the Busoga and Greater Mubende subregions.
Officiating at the launch ceremony in Iganga District, Dr. Alfred Driwale, Commissioner of Health Services in charge of Institutional Capacity Building and Health Workforce Development at the Ministry of Health, underscored the lethal nature of the disease, urging the public to prioritize vaccination.
Dr. Driwale stressed the immediate need for immunization, explaining that Yellow Fever persists in Uganda because it is transmitted from wild animals via arboviruses originating in wildlife. He issued a stark warning about the risks associated with infection:
“Yellow fever is one of the deadliest diseases. Vaccination is the only sure way to protect people from its devastating effects.”
The path to elimination
Uganda is currently classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of 27 countries endemic for Yellow Fever, necessitating proof of vaccination for all outbound international travelers.
Dr. Annet Kisakye, the National Professional Officer for Vaccine Preventable Diseases at WHO, emphasized the high coverage required for the country to achieve freedom from the disease. She stated that elimination status will eventually be declared if the country maintains zero reported cases over a specified period.
Dr. Kisakye outlined the national target: “To achieve elimination, Uganda must reach at least 90 percent vaccination coverage and maintain zero reported cases.”
She further highlighted the danger posed by misdiagnosis, noting that because Yellow Fever symptoms often mimic Malaria, many victims erroneously seek treatment for Malaria, allowing the viral disease to critically damage vital organs and often leading to death.
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Speaking about the high fatality rate, Dr. Kisakye cited a tragic recent example: “In most cases out of 2 Yellow fever patients one dies,” she said, referencing a recent outbreak in Kibuku district last year where all three victims diagnosed with Yellow Fever succumbed to the illness.
She concluded her appeal with a clear directive: “There is no definite cure for Yellow Fever hence people should vaccinate because these vaccines are safe and effective.”
Campaign details and future plans
The Ministry of Health reports that 25 million people have already received the jab across the preceding phases. This final campaign phase, running from today until October 5, is set to vaccinate an additional five million people in the 17 specified districts.
The districts covered in this final push include:
- Busoga: Jinja, Luuka, Kamuli, Buyende, Iganga, Bugweri, Mayuge, Namayingo, Namutumba, Bugiri, Kaliro, and Jinja City.
- Greater Mubende: Kiboga, Kassanda, Nakaseke, Kyankwanzi, Mityana, Mubende, and Nakasongola.
Following the conclusion of this mass campaign, the Yellow Fever vaccination will be fully integrated into Uganda’s national schedule and will be administered routinely to all children at nine months of age. Dr. Baganizi confirmed the strategic transition:
“This final phase closes the mass campaign. Moving forward, vaccination will be part of routine child immunisation.”
