Uganda strengthens immunisation outreach for hard-to-reach communities
Aceng said the investment reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the health system and protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Minister of Health, Ruth Jane Acen, during the launch earlier this week. (Courtesy)
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The Government of Uganda launched new equipment to boost immunisation services and help health workers reach communities that are hard to access.
The initiative, supported through the Equity Accelerator Fund, Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance, and the Health Systems Strengthening (HSS 3) grant, aims to improve vaccine delivery and ensure no child is left behind.
During the launch earlier this week, the Minister of Health, Ruth Jane Aceng, said the investment reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the health system and protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Uganda currently protects children against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases through the Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunisation. These include tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease, rotavirus diarrhoea, measles–rubella, yellow fever, cervical cancer caused by HPV, meningitis A, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and malaria.
However, some communities still face challenges accessing immunisation services due to geographical and social barriers. “Island and fishing communities, mountainous areas, pastoral and nomadic populations, refugee-hosting communities, and urban informal settlements often remain underserved,” Aceng explained. Children who miss all vaccines are classified as “zero-dose children.”
To address these gaps, the Ministry of Health is implementing targeted interventions in 59 districts with the highest numbers of zero-dose children. These include strengthening community engagement, expanding outreach services, tracking children who miss vaccines, and improving supervision of immunisation services.
The new equipment, launched at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Kampala on March 11, 2026, will help frontline health workers safely deliver vaccines in remote areas. It includes: 642 motorcycles, 90 portable tents, 1,095 sleeping bags, 2,022 raincoats, 2,022 backpacks, 3,238 umbrellas, 1,095 gumboots, 2,022 life jackets, and 1,095 lightweight mountain climbing helmets.
“These tools will allow health workers to safely reach communities that were previously difficult to access and ensure that every child receives life-saving vaccines,” Aceng said.
She urged parents, caregivers, and community leaders to support immunisation programmes and ensure children receive all vaccines on schedule.
Permanent Secretary of Health, Diana Atwine, thanked partners such as Gavi and UNICEF for their support. “It’s great to see strategic investments translating into real tools that help health workers reach every child,” she said.
WHO Country Representative, Kasonde Mwinga, described immunisation as one of the most cost-effective health interventions. “For every one dollar invested in immunisation, there is a return of about 54 dollars in health and economic benefits,” he noted, while highlighting the global challenge of zero-dose children.
UNICEF Representative Robin Nandy said the initiative reflects commitments made under the 2024 Full Portfolio Planning process. Over $9 million worth of essential health system equipment has been procured to strengthen frontline services, including motorcycles, cold chain units, refrigerated vehicles, and protective gear.
He called on district leaders to support immunisation programmes and strengthen data systems to ensure vaccines reach every child.