By Gorette Kajumba
www.mknewslink.com
In Fort Portal—
King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I has launched the national measles rubella vaccination campaign in Tooro Kingdom, calling upon parents and caregivers to ensure that all eligible children receive the vaccine.
The campaign, targeting children aged between 9 months to 5 years, was launched on Thursday, October 1, at Karuzika Palace in Harukoto cell, Central Division, Fort Portal Tourism City.
The King urged the people of Tooro to embrace the vaccination exercise, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from preventable diseases.
He said a healthy child contributes to a healthy family, a healthy kingdom and a healthy country.
King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I also pledged the continued cooperation of Tooro Kingdom with the Ministry of Health to support government health programmes and other initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of the population.
“A healthy child means a healthy family, a healthy kingdom and a healthy country,” the King said.
Measles cases reported in districts;
Senior City Health Officer Dr. Mugisa Emmanuel said measles remains a public health concern, with cases reported in several districts across the country.
According to Dr. Mugisa, 68 of Uganda’s 126 districts have reported measles cases this year, with 28 districts currently affected.
He said more than 10,000 children suffered from measles last year, while 60 children died from the disease.
Dr. Mugisa explained that measles spreads rapidly, particularly among children who have not been immunized.
He said when one infected child comes into contact with non-immunized children, up to nine out of ten may contract the disease.
He called for cooperation between health authorities and Tooro Kingdom to ensure that children are protected.
Booster dose for children aged 9 months to 5 years
Dr. Mugisa said that, because of the outbreak, government is administering a booster dose to children aged between nine months and five years, regardless of whether they were previously vaccinated.
He said the exercise is intended to ensure that no eligible child is left behind.
The vaccination exercise will be conducted in both government and private health facilities.
Tooro Kingdom pledges support
Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, head of the Babiito clan, said the health and wellbeing of Ugandan children should remain a priority.
He commended the Ministry of Health for the initiative and pledged Tooro Kingdom’s support for the campaign.
Musuuga called upon parents and residents of Tooro Kingdom to heed the health message and take their children for vaccination.
Five day vaccination campaign
Fort Portal Tourism City Resident City Commissioner Nasike Asumin said the campaign will run for five days, from October 1 to October 5.
She emphasized that the measles rubella vaccination is provided free of charge, warning parents not to pay money to access the vaccine.
She urged parents and caregivers to use the opportunity to have their eligible children vaccinated.
NDA pledges continued partnership
Meanwhile, Fred Kabuye from the National Drug Authority congratulated King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I and presented him with a Mama Kit.
Kabuye said the National Drug Authority has been working with Tooro Kingdom and pledged to continue the partnership.
The national measles rubella vaccination campaign is part of government efforts to prevent the spread of measles and protect children from vaccine preventable diseases.
The launch at Karuzika Palace brought together Tooro Kingdom leaders, health officials, government representatives and members of the public.