Uganda has initiated a widespread vaccination effort against yellow fever, a mosquito-borne disease that has posed significant health risks in the region for years. Dr. Michael Baganizi, an official overseeing immunization at Uganda’s health ministry, reported that by the end of April, approximately 12.2 million individuals out of the targeted 14 million had been vaccinated.
As part of the initiative, Uganda will now mandate all travelers entering and leaving the country to possess a yellow fever vaccination card, a measure aimed at adhering to international health regulations, according to Baganizi.
This requirement comes amidst concerns over vaccine hesitancy in Uganda, prompting health authorities to take proactive measures to increase vaccination rates. Previously, Ugandans had to pay around $27 at private clinics to receive the yellow fever shot, but now it’s being offered free of charge to individuals aged 1 to 60 at various vaccination centers across the country, including schools, universities, hospitals, and local government units.
Yellow fever remains a significant public health concern in Uganda, one of 27 African countries classified as high-risk for outbreaks. Globally, the World Health Organization reports approximately 200,000 cases and 30,000 deaths annually from the disease.
Symptoms of yellow fever can range from fever and muscle pain to more severe complications, making vaccination crucial for prevention.
Uganda’s vaccination campaign is part of a broader global strategy initiated by the WHO and other partners in 2017 with the goal of eliminating yellow fever by 2026. Midterm evaluations of the strategy, published last year, indicated progress, with 185 million individuals in high-risk African countries vaccinated by August 2022.
However, vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge, with concerns among some Ugandans about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. To address these concerns, the Ugandan government has invested in community outreach and education efforts to underscore the importance of vaccination in saving lives, as highlighted by James Odite, a nurse at a designated vaccination center in Kampala.
Despite these challenges, Uganda’s vaccination campaign represents a critical step in the global fight against yellow fever, aiming to protect millions of individuals in Africa and the Americas from this potentially deadly disease.
