Kampala, 11th March 2015 - The National Debrief Meeting on integrated Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), Surveillance, Post Introduction Evaluation and Immunization review took place at Hotel Africana, in Kampala. This followed meetings and field visits held for the last two weeks to develop a new comprehensive Multi-year Strategic Plan (cMYP) for Uganda.

The Minister of State for Health, Hon Sarah Opendi underscored the need to benchmark the issues raised in the findings in order to improve the immunization program. She decried the negligence by some parents who don't take their children for immunization and alluded to the immunization bill that is being discussed in parliament which she said will address such issues like negligence.

The Director General of Health Services (DG), Dr Jane Ruth Aceng highlighted the need for openness when releasing the findings. She emphasized the role of these findings as the country prepares to introduce two additional new vaccines in 2015.

The World Health Organization Country Representative (WR) Dr Alemu Wondimagegnehu reiterated the DG’s remarks on the need for openness when releasing the findings. He also underscored the importance of the immunization structure adding that there is need to be realistic when adjusting the structure; to one that can be worked with. The WR also recommitted WHO’s support to the government on the immunization programme.

WHO recommends EPI reviews to be conducted every 3-5 years to inform development of the cMYP.

Before 2000, the overall routine immunization coverage for Uganda was far below the national target of 90%. Through concerted efforts, this improved until 2008. At that time, different strategies were deployed to improve the routine immunization coverage.

Since 2005, Uganda’s Immunization Programme made slow progress in terms of immunization coverage. The national immunization coverage (DTP3) for infants increased from 64% in 2005 to 82% in 2011. At that time, only 59% of the districts attained diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DPT3) coverage above 80%. There was high dropout rates with 20% of districts in country reporting rates of more than 10%. This resulted in outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases during that period. In 2009 and 2010, the country reported outbreaks of polio and measles respectively and since November 2011, the measles outbreak has persisted up to today.

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For more information, please contact:

Edmond Mwembembezi
Tel: +256 782 962 674
Email: mwembembezie [at] who.int (mwembembezie[at]who[dot]int)