Mass polio vaccination kicks off tomorrow in eastern Uganda

During the orientation meeting, health officials urged journalists to mobilise the community and raise awareness about the importance of the mas polio vaccination campaign.

Agnes Masagwayi, the District Health Educator for Mbale, noted that the polio vaccination drive targets 49 districts in the Bugisu, Bukedi, Teso, Busoga, and Karamoja subregions. She highlighted that a case of polio was confirmed in Mbale City earlier this year.

“The vaccination aims to strengthen children’s immunity against polio, and we are calling on everyone to ensure their children are vaccinated,” Masagwayi stated.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, medical workers will visit all households. Each medic is expected to vaccinate 125 children in rural areas and 250 children per day in urban settings.

Emily Chepteok, Principal Nursing Officer in the Ministry of Health urged the media to inform citizens about the upcoming polio immunisation drive in the eastern region.

She emphasised the importance of seeking medical care when ill, as many people fail to utilise health services, which poses a significant challenge for the country. “Children need to be vaccinated against diseases like polio,” she added.

Jolly Atwine Twongyeriwe, Communications Officer in the Ministry of Health, encouraged journalists to share accurate and reliable information regarding the mass polio vaccination. “We will work with the district health officers to provide you with factual information about this programme,” Atwine said.

She also addressed the myths surrounding the polio vaccine that discourage parents from vaccinating their children, reassuring the public that the vaccines are safe.

According to the World Health Organisation [WHO], polio is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects young children, attacking the nervous system and potentially leading to spinal and respiratory paralysis, and in some cases, death.