Uganda launches targeted Ebola preventive vaccination campaign
The Ministry of Health has launched a comprehensive Ebola preventive vaccination campaign aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and enhancing public health preparedness against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
This initiative is part of Uganda’s ongoing efforts to combat the Ebola threat in the region and ensure the safety of its citizens.
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Dr. Charles Olaro, Director of Health Services, emphasised the critical need for vaccination in light of Uganda's geographical proximity to high-risk areas within the Congo Basin.
“Ebola Virus Disease remains a significant public health concern in our region, particularly where outbreaks are likely,” he stated.
The campaign which began on September 23, 2024 will target 25,000 individuals across 20 districts identified as high-risk for Ebola.
Priority groups for vaccination include healthcare workers, armed forces, refugees, immigration personnel, traditional healers, and birth attendants.
Through collaboration with Johnson & Johnson, the Ministry of Health has secured 25,000 regimens of the Ebola vaccine.
This strategic acquisition is viewed as a crucial component of Uganda’s public health response.
“The acquisition of these vaccines bolsters our preparedness capabilities,” Dr. Olaro said, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in public health efforts.
The Johnson & Johnson Ebola vaccine regimen consists of two doses administered eight weeks apart, offering durable immunity.
The vaccine has received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been approved for use by the National Drug Authority (NDA) in Uganda.
The Uganda National Expanded Program for Immunization (UNEPI) will coordinate the campaign, which will involve central-level planning and district-level engagements.
The National Medical Stores (NMS) will manage the vaccine distribution, ensuring proper cold-chain storage.
The National Drug Authority will oversee surveillance efforts, with the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) supporting the campaign’s implementation.
Dr. Olaro urged all stakeholders to participate actively in the campaign.
“We call on all stakeholders to support and participate in this vital vaccination campaign to help safeguard our communities from Ebola.”
He further noted, “This vaccination effort is not just a health initiative but a communal responsibility that requires everyone's involvement.”
The Ministry of Health has expressed gratitude to its partners, including Johnson & Johnson, the WHO, and UNICEF, for their invaluable support in this critical endeavor.
As the campaign commences, officials are optimistic that it will significantly mitigate the threat of Ebola in the region.
