Uganda Ready For Yellow Fever
Nov 29, 2005
The commissioner of Heath Services, Ministry of Health, Dr Sam Okware has said the outbreak of yellow fever in Sudan is not such a threatening development to Uganda.
By H. Bainemigisha
The commissioner of Heath Services, Ministry of Health, Dr Sam Okware has said the outbreak of yellow fever in Sudan is not such a threatening development to Uganda.
“We are monitoring the situation in conjunction with the project, Operation Southern Sudan and World Health Organisation (WHO).†At least 121 people have died in Central Sudan and WHO is supplying vaccines and drugs.†He said the border districts of Kotido, Gulu, Kitgum, Adjumani, Moyo, Yumbe and Arua have been instructed to be on the alert. “Fortunately, it has been a procedure to require vaccine cards from countries at a risk of yellow fever at border points,†he said.
The doctor said around three years ago when a similar epidemic was reported in Imatong, Southern Sudan, the ministry carried out mass immunisation in Kitgum, Pader, Gulu and the UPDF. “A yellow fever vaccine remains effective for 10 years. Those who got the vaccine are still safe.†The assistant commissioner for surveillance and epidemics, Dr Ambrose Talisuna, said the ministry was in touch with WHO for updates. According to Kafuko Peter, a health educator at the ministry, medium risk is when cases are reported closer to the border or when there is high population movement with infected areas.
“After all, South Kordofan state is around 900km away by air from the Ugandan border,†he added. Okware advised people intending to travel to the Sudan to take the vaccine. It is available at KCC clinic at sh30,000.
But when yellow fever becomes a threat, the ministry will carry out free mass immunisation.
Ends
The commissioner of Heath Services, Ministry of Health, Dr Sam Okware has said the outbreak of yellow fever in Sudan is not such a threatening development to Uganda.
“We are monitoring the situation in conjunction with the project, Operation Southern Sudan and World Health Organisation (WHO).†At least 121 people have died in Central Sudan and WHO is supplying vaccines and drugs.†He said the border districts of Kotido, Gulu, Kitgum, Adjumani, Moyo, Yumbe and Arua have been instructed to be on the alert. “Fortunately, it has been a procedure to require vaccine cards from countries at a risk of yellow fever at border points,†he said.
The doctor said around three years ago when a similar epidemic was reported in Imatong, Southern Sudan, the ministry carried out mass immunisation in Kitgum, Pader, Gulu and the UPDF. “A yellow fever vaccine remains effective for 10 years. Those who got the vaccine are still safe.†The assistant commissioner for surveillance and epidemics, Dr Ambrose Talisuna, said the ministry was in touch with WHO for updates. According to Kafuko Peter, a health educator at the ministry, medium risk is when cases are reported closer to the border or when there is high population movement with infected areas.
“After all, South Kordofan state is around 900km away by air from the Ugandan border,†he added. Okware advised people intending to travel to the Sudan to take the vaccine. It is available at KCC clinic at sh30,000.
But when yellow fever becomes a threat, the ministry will carry out free mass immunisation.
Ends