Anne Mugisa
30 June 2008
Kampala — The health ministry and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have launched a polio immunisation campaign in Kanungu district. Polio has not been reported in Uganda for over 10 years.
However, authorities say the disease might hit the country because it has been reported in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
All children aged five and below in the nine districts bordering Congo will be given buffer immunisation doses.
While launching the campaign on Friday, health minister Stephen Mallinga and WHO representative Jean Baptiste took part in the immunisation exercise.
Baptiste said the drive was aimed at sensitising people about the benefits of immunisation.
"The immunity gaps must be closed. Even immunised children must be given covering doses. Leaders must mobilise people to bring their children for immunisation."
Polio is spread through contamination of food and drinks by faecal matter from an infected person.
According to the Kanungu district director of health services, Dr. Stephen Sebudde, the free movement of people from the DR Congo into Uganda might cause the importation of the disease.
Mallinga praised the district's immunisation coverage, noting that immunisation against diphtheria had risen from 68% to 89%, polio from 64% to 90% and measles from 66% to 93%
The minister was concerned that many diseases that hit the country were being imported by foreigners. He cited hepatitis E, the marburg virus, ebola and meningitis.
Mallinga urged the local authorities to ensure that homes observed hygiene.
"Uganda is a privileged country surrounded by countries that are not very well endowed. Our health services are better than theirs. As a result, people come from other countries and benefit from our health facilities."
Mallinga urged the local authorities to ensure that homes observed hygiene, adding that the diseases were spread through contamination of water and food.
"You must ensure that each home has a pit latrine. The authorities must drill bore holes for people to access safe water," he counselled.
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