Uganda launched a vaccination campaign against Meningococcal Meningitis type A, under the theme “It’s free, safe, and effective” at Lalogi grounds, Omoro district.  The campaign intended to reduce morbidity, mortality and disability due to meningitis was launched by Uganda’s health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng in the presence of local and national leaders including the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Right Hon. Mr. Jacob Oulanya.

Uganda is one of the countries with highest rates of the meningitis A disease and also one of the 26 countries that lie within the extended meningitis belt of Sub-Saharan Africa, which stretches from Senegal in the West Africa to Ethiopia in the East Africa. In Uganda, the most susceptible regions include West Nile, Bunyoro, Acholi, Lango Teso and Karamoja regions.

According to Dr  Aceng  since 2004, over 10, 000 cases of meningitis have been  reported with a case fatality rate of 8%, mainly from  Arua, Gulu, Moroto, Lira,  Sororti and Hoima  districts. She thus expressed gratitude to World Health Organization (WHO), Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for supporting this particular meningitis campaign that covered 39 high-risk districts in northern Uganda.

The WHO Representative in Uganda Dr. Tarande Constant Manzila congratulated Uganda on launching the campaign against Meningitis A which is the  major cause of big outbreaks in the African Region. Dr Manzila noted that even with antibiotics, at least 10% of affected people die while 20% develop serious permanent health problems yet all this suffering can be prevented through immunization. Besides, Dr Manzila  added,  the   type of vaccination launched in Omoro district helps  countries to move away from reactive response to emergencies  to  preventive immunization that  eliminates  epidemic outbreak threats.

According to WHO, Meningitis Type A affects mainly young people between ages 1 to 30. It occurs sporadically and in small outbreaks worldwide, except in the African Meningitis Belt where large outbreaks are common. Meningitis cases typically present with stiff neck, high fever, and sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches and vomiting. Even when the disease is diagnosed early and adequate treatment is started, 5 to 10% of patients die, typically within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. If left untreated, up to 50% of cases may die. Bacterial meningitis may also result in brain damage, hearing loss or a learning disability in 10 to 20% of survivors.

There were a number of activities at the launch including entertainment, and   immunization services for people aged up to 29 years.  The major highlight of the launch was the attendance in big numbers by local and national leaders who encouraged people to take advantage of the free vaccine.

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Below:

01. Dr. Manzila (black suit) with one of the children that was immunized

02. The Minister of Health Dr. Aceng vaccinates a health worker to launch the campaign to vaccinate against Men A

03. A health worker immunizes a child in Amuru District