The Ministry of Health has announced that Busoga sub-region and Mubende District will be the focus of a major reactive vaccination campaign against yellow fever this September.
The exercise will be implemented through the Vaccines and Immunization Division under the National Diseases Control Programme, which is part of the Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunization (UNEPI).
Health officials confirmed that the campaign is scheduled to take place from the last week of September 2025 through the first week of October 2025.
Beatrice Mutonyi, a senior nurse attached to UNEPI, revealed that the vaccination drive will specifically target children aged one to six years.
She explained that the Ministry had previously rolled out yellow fever vaccination in other parts of Uganda, but Busoga and Mubende had not yet been covered, making them a priority in the next phase.
“…we are looking at schools from nursery to tertiary institutions including teachers themselves so long as they are within the age bracket above because Uganda is on the Yellow Fever Belt…,” Ms. Mutonyi said.
She made the remarks at the sidelines of the Busoga Annual Regional Health Review meeting, a three-day gathering hosted at Hotel Paradise on the Nile.
The Ministry emphasized that this is a reactive vaccination campaign, a specialized public health response aimed at containing and mitigating an active or emerging threat.
Unlike preventive or routine campaigns, reactive vaccination is specifically launched when there is an outbreak risk, ensuring that populations at immediate risk are quickly protected.
Officials explained that the decision to target Busoga and Mubende comes from their vulnerability to yellow fever outbreaks, which can spread rapidly if not addressed.
To ensure the campaign runs smoothly, districts have been urged to complete and update micro-planning tools, which provide detailed guidance on logistics, target populations, and delivery mechanisms.
A micro plan is a localized strategy that outlines every critical step of a vaccination campaign, from identifying the population at risk to managing vaccines, syringes, and other supplies.
It includes assessments of the outbreak situation, clear objectives, timelines, coverage goals, and staffing requirements.
It also specifies the exact locations of vaccination posts, outlines how health workers will be deployed, and details the communication and mobilization approaches needed to engage communities.
According to health officials, micro plans also ensure vaccine storage, transportation, and distribution are well managed, while maintaining safety standards and accountability for supplies.
Experts say such detailed planning is essential for reactive campaigns, which must be executed quickly and efficiently to stop disease spread.
Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted by infected female Aedes mosquitoes, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America.
The disease is highly dangerous and can cause severe complications, including organ failure, hemorrhaging, and shock.
The case fatality rate for yellow fever can range from 20% to 60% in severe cases, with the World Health Organization noting that it can be as high as 50% during some outbreaks.
Health officials warn that Uganda, being in the yellow fever belt, remains highly vulnerable, especially in regions with large unvaccinated populations.
Vaccination is therefore seen as the most critical defense against the disease.
Experts describe the yellow fever vaccine as safe, affordable, and capable of offering long-term protection.
It not only reduces the risk of severe illness and death but also helps prevent community-wide outbreaks.
The vaccine is particularly important for children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, who face a higher risk of severe complications.
The Ministry noted that mass vaccination campaigns also serve to strengthen herd immunity, protecting communities from the devastating impacts of the disease.
Additionally, vaccination is recommended for travelers to endemic regions, reducing the risk of importing the virus to new areas.
Mutonyi and other officials reiterated that with Uganda being located in the yellow fever belt, continued vigilance and expanded vaccine coverage are essential to safeguard public health.
She stressed that community participation would be crucial, urging parents and schools to mobilize eligible children to receive the vaccine when the campaign begins.
By focusing on Busoga and Mubende, the Ministry of Health hopes to close existing gaps in yellow fever protection and secure the health of vulnerable populations before outbreaks escalate.
Through this detailed and highly targeted campaign, Uganda is strengthening its national preparedness while reinforcing the importance of vaccination as a tool for epidemic prevention.
Recommendations to the Public
The Ministry of Health has also issued a set of recommendations to ensure community protection against yellow fever and related mosquito-borne illnesses:
- Take Vaccination Seriously – All eligible children and individuals are urged to take part in the upcoming campaign to secure immunity against yellow fever.
- Report Suspected Cases – Anyone experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, chills, muscle pain, severe headache, nausea, or unexplained bleeding should seek immediate medical attention.
- Control Mosquito Breeding – Households are encouraged to eliminate stagnant water, properly dispose of containers, and keep water storage tanks covered to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
- Use Mosquito Protection – Families should use mosquito nets, insect repellents, and wear protective clothing to limit exposure to mosquito bites.
- Community Mobilization – Local leaders, schools, and religious institutions are called upon to sensitize communities and ensure high vaccine uptake.
- Travel Precautions – People planning to travel within or outside Uganda should ensure they are vaccinated against yellow fever, as proof of vaccination is often required in many countries.
Health experts emphasize that when vaccination is combined with strong community awareness and mosquito control, the spread of yellow fever can be effectively prevented.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Yellow Fever Vaccination
Q1: Who should not take the yellow fever vaccine?
Infants younger than 9 months, pregnant women (unless high risk), people with severe allergies to eggs, and individuals with weakened immune systems (such as advanced HIV/AIDS patients or cancer patients on chemotherapy) should not take the vaccine without medical advice.
Q2: How long does the yellow fever vaccine provide protection?
A single dose offers long-lasting, possibly lifelong protection, though some countries may still require proof of vaccination within the last 10 years for entry.
Q3: What are the common side effects of the vaccine?
Mild headaches, muscle pain, slight fever, and soreness at the injection site are the most common. Serious side effects are very rare.
Q4: Why is Uganda considered part of the Yellow Fever Belt?
Uganda has tropical conditions that favor Aedes mosquito breeding, making it highly vulnerable to yellow fever transmission.
Q5: How can families prepare for the vaccination campaign?
Parents should ensure that their children are available at schools or designated vaccination centers, carry immunization cards if available, and follow Ministry of Health guidance during the campaign period.
Q6: Is proof of vaccination required for international travel?
Yes. Many countries require travelers from Uganda to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate before entry, making the vaccine not only a health necessity but also a travel requirement.
