The Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has called local leaders to expedite service delivery to the nation for a better future.
Aceng made this comment while presiding over a closing ceremony for the Oral Cholera Vaccination that has been going on for the whole week in Kasese district.
The event took place in Kabuga- Karusandara Subcounty where the Lira lawmaker administered a dose to the family of Mr. Tinka as she encouraged the community to appreciate Oral Cholera Vaccination as away of protection from Cholera as the district continues to experience floods which expose the affected communities.
The 2nd phase of Oral Cholera vaccination has been targeting 16 subcounties of Isango, Bwera, Karambi, Kitholhu, Mpondwe- Lhubiriha TC, Nyakiyumbu, Kisinga, Munkunyu, Nyakatonzi, Kisinga TC, Lake Katwe , Maliba, Ibanda/Kyanya T/C , Karusandara , Bulembia Division and Nyamwamba Division.
Oral Cholera Vaccine
In line with the National Cholera Strategic Plan 2017/18-2021/22, Oral Cholera vaccine (OCV) was introduced as a complimentary strategy to the existing cholera preventive measures.
As a preventative remedy, the cholera vaccination program was established for implementation in some extremely high risk hotspots in Uganda as an additional measure to prevent and control cholera.
Consequently, the Country identified 11 high risk districts (hot spots) for introduction of oral cholera vaccination in three phases. Ministry of Health with support from WHO, UNICEF and GAVI rolled out integrated Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaigns in phases targeting the communities at highest risk of cholera outbreaks.
Phase one involved Hoima district as reactive campaign, phase two involved Nebbi, Packwach, Buliisa, Zombo and Bududa. However, oral cholera vaccination in Bududa district was implemented as a reactive campaign. The third phase includes Ntoroko, Busia, Namayingo, Kasese, Obongi and Madi Okollo.
Successful implementation of the Plan was envisioned to serve as pre-elimination phase for cholera disease in Uganda.
Background on Cholera outbreak in Uganda
Cholera was first documented in Uganda in 1971 in Kampala City. Cholera outbreaks became rampant in 1990s and peaked in 1998 following El Nino. Other peaks were recorded in the years 2012 and 2016. Consequently, Cholera cases were reported annually in several different districts.
Operational research conducted in Uganda in the year 2018 showed that some communities were affected more than others.
The communities located along the shores of Lakes Albert, Edward and Victoria and flood prone areas were extremely vulnerable.
The study identified 11 districts as hotspots most of which are border districts. The hotspot districts were Hoima, Arua /Madi okollo), Buliisa, Busia, Kasese, Moyo/Obongi, Namayingo, Nebbi, Ntoroko, Pakwach and Zombo.
The high-risk groups living in the 11 hotspot districts included children, fishing communities, border communities close to Countries with ongoing cholera outbreaks and mobile communities.
