Health ministry confirms 7 cholera cases, to roll out vaccination program
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has confirmed that there are seven people suffering from Cholera in Kampala. MoH has further announced that the government is going to undertake sensitization programs in the most at risk communities in Kampala.
The cholera outbreak was first reported last week in Kabowa, Rubaga division.
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As a start, the Primary Health Care minister Joyce Kaducu and Kampala minister Benny Namugwanya Bugembe led a clean up exercise in the most affected areas on Thursday. The health team visited Kabowa villages including Kironde, Sembule b, Nakayiza and Sembule A.
Minister Kaducu confirmed that residents are living in appalling conditions. The minister noted most residents do not have access to tap water, few have toilets and there are no designated garbage dump sites.
She noted that the improper disposal of waste contributes to the spread of the virulent disease. Many residents have opted to defecate in basins and dispose the waste in Nalukolongo channel or the community playground.
Benny Namugwanya revealed that the government has received a 4 million dollars Bill and Melinda Gates grant. The grant will enable KCCA to improve toilet facilities and drainage channels.
MoH revealed that there are 16 cases being investigated to ascertain if patients have cholera.
Cholera, a disese spread by poor hygiene, has been registered in 11 known hotspots and government is finalizing plans to have all locals vaccinated.
According to Dr Bwire Godfrey, the focal person in charge of cholera, many Hoima residents were vaccinated in April 2018.
The government vaccination will roll out to people in Buliisa, Nebbi, Zombo, Zombo Pakwach in phase 2.
Government expects to spend 600 million shillings to ensure 600,000 people receive the necessary two doses against the disease.
A recent Ministry of Health assessment report put the cost of managing Cholera at 50,000/ to 100,000/- fees quite high for many Ugandans. Prevention remaining the alternative.
