A recent polio outbreak in Uganda, linked to a strain from Somalia, has prompted health authorities to intensify vaccination campaigns, addressing the needs of over 3 million unvaccinated children. The WHO warned that high levels of under-immunization pose significant risks for further outbreaks. Key health leaders, including Uganda’s health minister and WHO officials, are emphasizing the importance of collective action to eradicate polio and ensure no child lives in fear of paralysis.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised alarms regarding the risk of a polio outbreak in Uganda, tracing the variant to a strain from Somalia. Dr. Annet Kisakye, WHO’s national officer for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), indicated that despite extensive immunisation efforts, a substantial number of Ugandan children remain unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. This situation is particularly concerning following the reported polio outbreak in Mbale City in May, which has been linked to a virus strain from Somalia. Dr. Kisakye emphasized that while polio primarily poses a risk to children, it can also be fatal for adults. “Polio is a virus which mutates. If it gets into an environment where children had not been vaccinated, it mutates and causes disease,” she pointed out. She urged the need for intensified efforts to vaccinate unprotected populations, particularly mobile groups and refugees. During an event commemorating World Polio Day, Anne Nkutu, the District 9213 governor of Rotary Uganda, highlighted the progress made toward polio eradication, mentioning Rotary International’s commitment of over $2 billion and extensive volunteer efforts. Furthermore, Mr. Daniel Ddamulira, District 9214 governor nominee, called on all stakeholders to enhance vaccination coverage. Upholding the urgency of the situation, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Uganda’s Health Minister, stated following the detection of vaccine-derived polio in Mbale, a widespread immunisation campaign was initiated across 49 local governments in the eastern region. “We must not relax, we need to get rid of polio from the world and Ugandans need to work very hard for this to happen,” she asserted, while also crediting WHO and UNICEF for their pivotal roles in vaccination efforts. In total, approximately 3.2 million children have received vaccinations across various regions in Uganda, with parallel efforts being made alongside the Kenyan government. The collaborative aim is to achieve a polio-free future and eradicate this disease entirely, ensuring no child lives in fear of polio-related paralysis.
In recent years, polio has re-emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly in regions where vaccination coverage is insufficient. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has placed a strong emphasis on global vaccination efforts to eliminate polio, which has been nearly eradicated in many parts of the world. However, instances of vaccine-derived polio have occurred when the weakened virus from the oral polio vaccine circulates among unvaccinated populations, leading to disease outbreaks. Uganda, with reported cases of polio connected to strains from Somalia, is currently facing a high risk of further outbreaks due to a notable percentage of unvaccinated children within its population. Health officials in Uganda, together with international health organizations, are intensifying efforts to vaccinate children and eliminate the virus through systematic immunisation campaigns.
The WHO’s warning about the polio situation in Uganda underscores the need for urgent action to ensure all children are vaccinated against this debilitating disease. Despite efforts resulting in the vaccination of over 3.2 million children, the presence of unvaccinated populations remains a critical concern that could facilitate further outbreaks. A collaborative approach, involving local governments, health organizations, and communities, is essential to achieving a polio-free future. The call to action from various health leaders emphasizes the necessity for concerted efforts to eliminate polio completely, echoing the sentiment that vigilance and proactive measures are paramount until the disease is fully eradicated.
Original Source: www.monitor.co.ug
