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| 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, stretching from Senegal |
| in the West to Ethiopia in the East. In Uganda, the most susceptible regions include West Nile, parts |
| of Bunyoro, Acholi and Lango regions, Teso and Karamoja. |
| Though treatable, the disease can best be prevented through immunisation. |
| The Ministry of Health |
| with support from World Health Organisation (WHO) and partners have planned to conduct free |
| Mass Immunization Campaign in the high risk 39 districts in Uganda to prevent any outbreak starting |
| on 19 |
| January to 23 |
| January 2017 for all persons aged between 1 year and 29 years. |
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| r d |
| The areas in which this immunisation exercise will be carried out for the next two weeks will be; |
| Arua, Zombo, Koboko, Adjumani, Nebbi, Maracha, Moyo, Yumbe, Gulu, Amuru, Kitgum, Lamwo, |
| Nwoya, Pader, Agago, Omoro, Dokolo, Lira, Alebtong, Kole, Otuke, Amolatar, Apac, Oyam, Hoima, |
| Masindi, Buliisa, Kiryadongo, Amuria, Kaberamaido, Katakwi, Soroti, Abim, Amudat, Kaabong, Kotido, |
| Moroto, Nakapiripiriti, and Napak. |
| The immunisation campaign will officially be launched in Omoro district at Lalogi Grounds on Tuesday |
| 17 |
| January, with the Minister of Health expected to be the Chief Guest. The Ministry of Health and |
| th |
| partners have deployed Medical personnel across the affected districts to oversee the success of the |
| immunisation exercise. All persons and care givers are advised to go to the nearest health centres |
| and other outreach immunisation posts in their districts for the the free vaccine. The vaccine is safe |
| and effective and has been approved by the World Health Organisation. The vaccine will be |
| administered by a trained health worker using a single injection on the upper arm. |
| What is Meningitis A? |
| Meningitis A is a bacterial infection. |
| According to the World Health Organization; |
| The disease mainly affects young people between ages 1–30, occurring 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. 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 |
| . |
| For more information, please contact: |
| The Ag. Assistant Commissioner- HEALTH PROMOTION |
| Tabley Bakyaita |
| MINISTRY OF HEALTH. |
| 0772 521228 |
--
Ivan.N.Baliboola
0752304274
Twitter: @mediasurgeon
Websites
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