Mass vaccination against measles, rubella starts September

KAMPALA - The Health Ministry has received more than 20 million doses of Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, ahead of its nationwide campaign scheduled for September this year.

The vaccines worth $19m (about sh70b), were procured by UNICEF with support from Gavi. This will protect more than 18 million children aged nine months to 15 years against measles and rubella.

Dr. Charles Olaro, the Director of Clinical Services, received the consignment on behalf of the health ministry at Entebbe International Airport on Thursday.

Olaro called upon the public to embrace the campaign saying the vaccines are free, safe and effective.

Measles is highly contagious. It spreads through the air and infects the respiratory tract, potentially killing malnourished children or babies who are too young to be vaccinated.

It also often leads to serious complications including blindness, severe diarrhea and severe respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia.

Rubella, on the other hand, is a disease transmitted by air droplets mainly through coughs from infected persons.

It is transmitted through the placenta of a pregnant woman and affects the unborn baby leading to severe defects on the baby such as deafness, development delay, mental retardation and ultimately death.

Dan Kimosho, the National Medical Stores spokesperson said they have a well-established system that will ensure the safe delivery of vaccines across the country.



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