The district health workers after training at headquarters
The Luwero District Health Department is ramping up efforts to protect children from measles by vaccinating over 124,000 kids across the district. The mass immunization campaign is scheduled to run from October 1st to 5th, aiming to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease.
To ensure the success of this vital initiative, the district has mobilized a team of 400 health workers and Village Health Teams who will conduct vaccinations at various designated sites, including health centers, schools, and through home visits.
The exercise will be supervised by a team of 36 health professionals, including department officers and health in-charges.
Dr. Innocent Nkonwa, the Luwero District Health Officer, emphasized that children aged nine months to five years will be the primary targets.
“Every child in this age group will receive the vaccine, regardless of prior vaccination status,” he stated, underscoring the importance of comprehensive coverage.
Dr. Nkonwa called on the residents of Luwero to actively participate and support the campaign. He also urged leaders from all sectors—political, religious, cultural, and community—to mobilize and encourage community members to participate fully in this government-led health initiative.
He also issued a firm warning to school headteachers against resisting the vaccination exercise.
“Schools that refuse to cooperate will be held accountable. We will collaborate with the District Security Committee, led by the Resident District Commissioner, to take appropriate action against those hindering this program,” Dr. Nkonwa declared.
Furthermore, he addressed concerns some teachers have raised about parental consent, clarifying that consent is not a requirement for this vaccination activity.
“Health workers are authorized to vaccinate children without prior parental approval during this campaign,” he explained.
Mariam Nalubega Sseguya, the Resident District Commissioner, affirmed the district’s commitment to the campaign’s success.
“We are prepared to work closely with the health department. Any teacher or parent who sabotages this effort will face arrest and legal action,” she warned.
The campaign comes in response to recent measles outbreaks reported in among over 28 districts affected nationwide. In Luwero district, Measles outbreak was reported in Busiika town and Kalagala sub county.
The Ministry of Health has announced a nationwide immunization drive to control and prevent further outbreaks of the disease.
This proactive vaccination campaign in Luwero is a critical step towards safeguarding children’s health and preventing future measles epidemics in the district
