Gov't to rollout mass yellow fever vaccination

In light of Kenya's decision to bar Ugandans without proof of yellow fever vaccination from entering its territory, government of Uganda is set to rollout mass yellow fever vaccination in areas where the outbreak has been confirmed.

Yellow fever is an acute viral disease caused by the yellow fever virus and spread by the bite of an infected female mosquito. It infects only humans, other primates, and several species of mosquitoes

A safe and effective vaccine against yellow fever exists and some countries require vaccinations for travelers.

According to state minister for health in charge of general duties, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, yellow fever outbreak has been confirmed in some areas of Masaka and Kebisoni in Rukungiri district.

"Government is discussing with World Health Organization to explore ways of rolling out mass vaccination in places where yellow fever cases have been confirmed. The vaccination process will cover 20km radius of these areas," Baryomunsi told parliament yesterday.

The mooted vaccination whose date of rolling out was not explicitly revealed by the minister is expected to benefit people six months and above.

The revelation came as lawmakers debated the report of the foreign affairs committee on the ministry of foreign affairs budget estimates for the financial year.

Lwemiyaga County MP fired the first salvo saying the House should address the issue of Ugandans stranded on the Uganda/Kenya boarder for not having received yellow fever inoculation.

"There is a resurgence of yellow fever in some countries in Africa including Angola, parts of DRC and Uganda. Because of this outbreak, many countries have raised a red flag including Kenya. We are liaising with the Kenyan government on this matter but we cannot push them to drop their stance because this is a dangerous disease," Baryomunsi said.

Lawmakers took exception to the few centers in Uganda where vaccination of yellow fever can be got with former Leader of Opposition, Nandala Mafabi, calling for opening of new centers outside Entebbe and Kampala.

According to Baryomunsi, inoculation against yellow fever is carried out in only four places including KCCA headquarters, Novik Hospital and Entebbe Airport.

Baryomunsi said the limited number of centers where yellow fever vaccination can be carried out is informed by the shortage of yellow fever vaccine throughout the world.

Baryomunsi did not explicitly inform parliament whether the vaccine for yellow fever will be free. Attempts to get clarification from Director General Health Service, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, came to naught as her known cell phone was unavailable.

However, with a dose of yellow fever vaccine going for sh60,000 at KCCA, according Nandala, the mooted mass vaccination will be out of reach for many people in need of the vaccine.