The Ministry of Health is targeting to immunise about 1.9 million children against yellow fever and measles-rubella in high-risk districts.

This is part of Uganda's commitment to implement the Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) Strategy (2017-2026). In June 2023, a large number of Ugandans expressed happiness with the Ministry of Health following the launch of the free Yellow Fever vaccination campaign in the country.

Since 2010, Uganda has had several yellow fever cases reported. In 2022, there were two confirmed cases of yellow fever reported in Wakiso and Masaka districts.

With support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and Gavi, the yellow fever vaccine is now available in all health facilities as part of the routine immunization programme. It is provided for free to only nine months old babies.

“In line with the EYE recommendations, I would like to commend the Government of Uganda for successfully introducing the yellow fever vaccine into routine immunisation since October 2022. This will boost the prevention and management of yellow fever in the country,” Dr Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, the WHO Representative in Uganda, said.

Those who get vaccinated receive a Yellow Fever certificate.

During the launch of the vaccine, the Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, said there was a huge demand for Yellow Fever vaccines across the country.

She reminded the public that to achieve the target for the elimination of Yellow Fever, Uganda is left with only three years; therefore, the population should take up the vaccination exercise seriously.

About yellow fever

Yellow fever is transmitted to humans from monkeys by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, commonly found in forested areas. It is then spread from human to human. Like other viral diseases, yellow fever has no specific treatment but is managed symptomatically (treatment of symptoms).

Depending on the clinical manifestations, patients are treated for dehydration, liver and kidney failure as well as fever, among others. Associated bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics.

The yellow fever vaccination card is the second most important document after the passport for travellers in Uganda.

According to WHO, vaccination remains the most important means of preventing yellow fever. The yellow fever vaccine is safe and affordable.

“A single vaccine dose provides life-long protection against the yellow fever disease. The vaccine provides effective immunity within 10 days for 80–100% of people vaccinated, and within 30 days for more than 95% of people vaccinated,” according to WHO.

The yellow fever vaccine can be safely given to infants aged 9–12 months at the same time as the measles vaccine in yellow fever-endemic countries through the routine immunisation program.