UgandaUganda Targets 7.47m Children in Measles-Rubella Vaccination
The 5-day campaign aims to vaccinate children aged 9 to 59 months, following outbreaks in 66 districts in 2025 and 18 districts this year. The government hopes to rebuild immunity lost due to COVID-19 disruptions and declining donor support.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
The Ugandan government has launched a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign, targeting 7.47 million children aged 9 to 59 months. The campaign is necessary due to frequent outbreaks of the diseases across the country.
Measles outbreaks were recorded in 66 districts in 2025, and another 18 districts have been affected this year. The campaign aims to rebuild immunity lost when children missed routine vaccination due to COVID-19 disruptions, refugee inflows, and declining donor support.
Dr Michael Baganizi of the Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunization said the campaign complements the routine immunization schedule. He emphasized that every eligible child should receive the vaccine, even if previously immunized.
Health officials in Wakiso District have raised concerns over teachers preventing health workers from accessing schools to conduct the vaccination campaign. The officials have warned schools that continue to obstruct the programme that they will take action in accordance with the law.
The campaign's cost is Shs 21.8 billion, which is being shared by the government and international partners. The vaccine is available to all eligible children, regardless of their prior vaccination status.
Dr Annet Kisakye advised caregivers to remain at vaccination sites for 30 minutes and seek medical attention if fever persists beyond three days. She also warned against applying ice to injection sites.
Key facts
- 7.47 million children are targeted in the measles-rubella vaccination campaign
- Outbreaks were recorded in 66 districts in 2025 and 18 districts this year
- The campaign aims to rebuild immunity lost due to COVID-19 disruptions and declining donor support
- The cost of the campaign is Shs 21.8 billion
Three perspectives
Neutral
The vaccination campaign is a necessary step to prevent the spread of measles and rubella. The government and health officials are working together to ensure the campaign's success. The public can expect updates on the campaign's progress in the coming days.
Positive
The campaign has the potential to protect millions of children from measles and rubella. The government's efforts to rebuild immunity lost due to COVID-19 disruptions are commendable. The international support for the campaign is a positive step towards improving Uganda's healthcare system.
Negative
The campaign highlights the weaknesses in Uganda's healthcare system, which has been affected by COVID-19 disruptions and declining donor support. The fact that some schools are preventing health workers from accessing them is a concern. The campaign's success is crucial to preventing further outbreaks.
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