A WHO expert has linked a polio outbreak in Uganda to a strain from Somalia, highlighting the high risk posed by unvaccinated children in the region. The Ugandan government has responded by vaccinating over 3.2 million children in an intensified campaign. Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng calls for collective efforts to eradicate polio globally, stressing the urgency of vaccination to prevent future outbreaks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms regarding a polio outbreak in Uganda, linking it to a strain originating from Somalia. Dr. Annet Kisakye, a senior scientist at the WHO, emphasized that Uganda remains at significant risk due to a considerable number of children who are either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. This warning follows a recent outbreak detected in Mbale City, where health officials have taken action resulting in the vaccination of over 3.2 million children across various regions. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health, underscored the urgency of eliminating polio globally, stating, “We must not relax; we need to get rid of polio from the world and Ugandans need to work very hard for this to happen.” She highlighted the government’s commitment to combating polio through intensive immunization campaigns, particularly after the detection of vaccine-derived polio. The vaccination initiative involved collaboration with the Kenyan government, ensuring children in both countries received vaccinations simultaneously. Dr. Kisakye noted, “Polio is a virus which mutates. If it gets into an environment where children had not been vaccinated, it mutates and causes disease.” She further called for focused efforts to reach unvaccinated populations, including high-risk mobile groups and refugees. Kisakye, addressing Rotary Uganda during the World Polio Day commemoration, highlighted the critical need for continued vigilance and outreach to high-risk communities. Leaders from Rotary International, including Ms. Anne Nkutu and Mr. Daniel Ddamulira, reinforced the collective effort required to eradicate polio, calling upon governments and communities to enhance vaccination coverage. In conclusion, the ongoing challenges posed by polio in Uganda necessitate a strong collective response to secure public health and immunization efforts to protect children from this debilitating disease and ultimately eliminate polio globally.
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children, leading to paralysis or even death in severe cases. Despite significant advances in vaccination and efforts toward eradication, outbreaks continue to occur in various regions worldwide. The recent detection of a vaccine-derived strain in Uganda, linked to Somalia, highlights the persistent threat posed by polio in areas with low vaccination coverage. This situation underscores the need for ongoing health campaigns and international collaboration to ensure all children receive appropriate vaccinations.
The warnings issued by WHO regarding the polio outbreak in Uganda stress the critical importance of vaccination in controlling and ultimately eradicating the disease. With over 3.2 million children vaccinated amid recent outbreaks, health officials are committed to safeguarding public health through intensified immunization efforts. The collaboration between regional governments and organizations like Rotary International is pivotal in achieving a polio-free future.
Original Source: www.monitor.co.ug
