With an on-going Cholera outbreak, the government of Uganda is to conduct a campaign to vaccinate more than 360,000 people. The campaign will be run in the areas of Hoima district with the support from WHO (World Health Organisation) and partners.
The outbreak has hit the refugees, who have fled from the violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and host populations of Uganda. Up till now, 2276 cases have been reported in the camps, and 45 people have already died due to the outbreak, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
The cholera vaccination will be a five day exercise where two rounds of vaccination are planned for Hoima district. It is anticipated as the first large scale vaccination in Uganda’s history. The two rounds will take place from May 2 to May 6 and June 6 to June 10, respectively.
The transportation, training, administration of vaccine is supported by WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, Doctors without borders, and other local partners.
The Oral Cholera Vaccine campaign has also funded the provision of safe drinking water, promotion of sanitation and good hygiene, and health education in the six hotspots of Hoima district.