Yellow Fever Vaccination Campaign in Mbarara District Gains Traction

Editor

Dr. Ruth Ampaire, the district supervisor of Bubaare Health Sub-county in Kashari South, Mbarara District, emphasized during the monitoring and supervision of the yellow fever vaccination campaign at Kashaka Girls’ Secondary School in Mbarara that yellow fever is a disease characterized by a yellowing of the skin, which occurs due to liver failure.

Dr. Ampaire highlighted the seriousness of yellow fever, noting that from past experiences, fifty percent of individuals who progress to the intoxication phase of the disease end up succumbing to it.

She further explained that to mitigate this risk, the government has initiated a nationwide vaccination campaign targeting individuals aged one to sixty years old, with certain exceptions. Those exempted from vaccination include lactating babies under nine months, individuals on suppressive therapy, pregnant women, recent organ transplant recipients, and those with AIDS.

Dr. Ampaire clarified that individuals with specific conditions such as severe HIV, bedridden patients, those experiencing severe diarrhea or weakness, individuals with cancer, late-stage diabetes, or tuberculosis are not eligible for the vaccine.

Emmanuel Kateera, the RDC of Mbarara, emphasized the importance of using various media channels and public gatherings to disseminate vaccination messages, with support from political leaders and health workers.

He acknowledged challenges in certain schools where there was resistance to vaccination, necessitating intervention from administrators to ensure teachers and parents understood the importance of the campaign.

Mrs. Ngabirano Zipora Muhanguzi, Deputy Head Teacher of Kashaka Girls’ Secondary School, expressed gratitude to the health team from Mbarara health office for sensitizing and vaccinating all students.

Martha Mpirirwe, the head prefect of Kashaka Girls’ Secondary School, extended appreciation to the Mbarara District health office, the government, and school administration for facilitating the participation of students in the vaccination campaign aimed at preventing yellow fever.