MBALE, UGANDA ; The Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of yellow fever in 19 districts of eastern Uganda, with Kibuku District being the most affected. The announcement was made by Dr. Fred Nsubuga, a senior medical officer from the Ministry of Health, during a press briefing in Mbale city .
Dr. Nsubuga described yellow fever as a "very dangerous disease if not controlled," prompting the government to initiate a mass vaccination campaign targeting 4.5 million people aged 1 to 60 years. The vaccination exercise will run from 10th to 16th of this month in the affected districts, which include:
Mbale
Tororo
Kibuku
Budaka
Manafwa
Bulambuli
Pallisa
Kaliro
...and several others.
Schools have been identified as key vaccination centers due to their organized structures. The Ministry of Education has already granted permission for health workers to carry out immunizations in schools across the 19 districts.
Dr. Nsubuga described yellow fever as a "very dangerous disease if not controlled," prompting the government to initiate a mass vaccination campaign targeting 4.5 million people aged 1 to 60 years. The vaccination exercise will run from 10th to 16th of this month in the affected districts, which include:
Mbale
Tororo
Kibuku
Budaka
Manafwa
Bulambuli
Pallisa
Kaliro
...and several others.
Schools have been identified as key vaccination centers due to their organized structures. The Ministry of Education has already granted permission for health workers to carry out immunizations in schools across the 19 districts.
Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily by infected ,Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the same vectors responsible for dengue and Zika viruses. Uganda, with its tropical climate and numerous water bodies, provides an ideal breeding ground for these mosquitoes.
Previous outbreaks, were recorded between 2010 and 2011 in northern Uganda’s Abim, Agago, and Kitgum districts, where over 180 cases were reported. The disease is particularly deadly because:
- It has no specific treatment—only supportive care is available.
- It can cause severe symptoms, including high fever, jaundice, bleeding, and organ failure.
- It spreads rapidly in areas with low vaccination coverage.
Despite the urgency of the vaccination campaign, Dr. Nsubuga highlighted several obstacles, Some religious and cultural groups prohibit their members from receiving vaccinations. , Weather Conditions, Heavy rains during this season disrupt vaccination activities, making it difficult for health workers to reach remote areas. , Limited Health Workforce The government has insufficient health personnel to cover all regions effectively.
Dr. Nsubuga urged locals to visit government health centers for vaccination, emphasizing that despite challenges, authorities remain committed to curbing the outbreak.
To combat yellow fever, the Ministry of Health recommends:
- Vaccination – A single dose provides lifetime immunity.
- Mosquito Control Use of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and eliminating stagnant water.
- Public Awareness*– Educating communities on symptoms (fever, headache, jaundice) and early treatment-seeking behavior.
With the rainy season accelerating mosquito breeding, the risk of yellow fever spreading remains high. The government’s vaccination campaign is a critical step in preventing a larger epidemic. Health officials call for community cooperation to ensure the success of the immunization drive and reduce preventable deaths.
