EDITOR
Kabale and Kisoro Districts have officially launched the “Big Catch-Up” immunization campaign to vaccinate children who missed their routine immunizations. The initiative aims to boost vaccine coverage and protect vulnerable populations from preventable diseases.
Dr. Gilbert Arineitwe Mateeka, the Kabale District Health Officer, stated that the campaign seeks to reach 90% of “zero-dose” children under the age of five by the end of the month. He explained that children aged 9 to 59 months will receive the Measles and Rubella vaccines, while girls aged 10 years will be administered the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to protect against cervical cancer.
The immunization campaign will also focus on vaccinating non-pregnant women of reproductive age, between 15 and 49 years, with the Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccine. Furthermore, children aged 5 to 14 years in schistosomiasis-endemic areas will be provided with praziquantel tablets to combat the disease.
Alfred Besigensi, the Kabale District Health Educator, noted that the campaign would be intensified over the next six days, with health workers mobilizing to reach outreach centers and provide vaccines. He emphasized the importance of community participation and urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated.
Paddy Mwesigye, the Kabale District Assistant Health Officer in charge of Maternal and Child Health, highlighted that the campaign’s official launch took place at Makanga Primary School in Kabale Municipality. The event was supported by the Rotary Club of Kabale, underscoring the role of community organizations in public health efforts. Mwesigye called on the public to support and participate in the immunization drive.
In Kisoro District, the campaign was launched at Read Primary School in Northern Division, Kisoro Municipality. Annet Dusabe, the Assistant District Health Officer, outlined that the six-day campaign will target children from birth to 15 years, aiming to ensure comprehensive vaccine coverage in the district.
Health officials in both districts are hopeful that the campaign will successfully close the immunization gap and protect children and women from vaccine-preventable diseases. Community members are encouraged to take advantage of the outreach efforts to safeguard their health and well-being.
