The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Uganda is at high risk for polio outbreaks due to a large number of unvaccinated children. A recent outbreak in Mbale City linked to a strain from Somalia has prompted extensive vaccination efforts, reaching over 3.2 million children. Health officials are calling for intensified actions to ensure the eradication of polio, with significant contributions from Rotary International and various community leaders.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that Uganda faces a significant risk for polio outbreaks, predominantly due to a high number of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children. Dr. Annet Kisakye, a senior scientist at the WHO, indicated that a recent polio outbreak detected in Mbale City in May has been linked to a strain originating from Somalia. Despite ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, Dr. Kisakye emphasized that Uganda is not currently safe, stating, “Polio is a virus which mutates. If it gets into an environment where children had not been vaccinated, it mutates and causes disease.” The Ministry of Health has implemented extensive vaccination campaigns, which have successfully reached over 3.2 million children. Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng called upon the public to intensify their efforts in eliminating polio, asserting, “We need to get rid of polio from the world and Ugandans need to work very hard for this to happen.” During the commemoration of World Polio Day, community leaders and representatives from Rotary Uganda reiterated the importance of collective action in combating polio and urged increased vaccination efforts. They highlighted Rotary International’s significant contributions to global polio eradication and called for a united front against the disease. Furthermore, Dr. Aceng confirmed that no new polio cases had been identified following the outbreak in Mbale, thanks to an intensive vaccination campaign that targeted 49 local governments in the eastern region.
The ongoing efforts to combat polio in Uganda are critical, as the country has seen a resurgence linked to strains from other regions, particularly Somalia. Dr. Annet Kisakye from the WHO’s EPI emphasizes that the main factor for polio’s continued presence is the significant population of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children. This underscores the need for sustained public health initiatives and vaccination drives to ensure community immunity. Reportedly, the Ministry of Health has made strides by vaccinating millions of children in response to these risks, illustrating the urgency in addressing polio prevention. Further, partnerships with organizations like Rotary International enhance the global fight against polio through funding and volunteer efforts.
The threat of polio remains a pressing issue in Uganda, with a recent outbreak highlighting the vulnerability of unvaccinated populations. With over 3.2 million children vaccinated following the outbreak in Mbale, the Ugandan government, alongside global health organizations, is striving to eliminate the disease. Continued vigilance and community engagement are essential to ensure no child is left vulnerable to the disease. The emphasis placed by health officials on collective action and vaccination campaigns is crucial as Uganda works towards eradicating the threat of polio.
Original Source: www.monitor.co.ug
