The government is targeting at least 95 per cent of Uganda’s estimated 7.86 million eligible children in a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign scheduled for October 1–5, 2026.This translates into about 7.47 million children, including children in refugee communities. The five-day campaign will target all children aged nine to 59 months, regardless of whether they have previously received the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine.The ministry of Health said the campaign is intended to close immunity gaps and respond to a resurgence of measles across the country. Vaccination will be provided free of charge through fixed health facilities, temporary and mobile posts, schools, static outreach sites and other community-based locations.The campaign comes amid declining routine coverage of the second measles-rubella dose.According to the ministry of Health, national measles vaccination coverage rose from 79 per cent in 2016 to 90 per cent in 2024, but remains below the 95 per cent level considered necessary to prevent outbreaks.The first MR dose is administered at nine months, while the second is given at 18 months. The ministry said coverage of the second dose stood at only 64 per cent in 2025, compared with 92 per cent for the first dose.Measles outbreaksDr Michael Baganizi, a senior official in the Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunisation (UNEPI), said measles outbreaks continue to affect districts across the country.Recent ministry of Health data show that 66 districts recorded confirmed measles outbreaks in 2025, with more than 10,163 cases and 60 deaths reported.Between January and April 2026, the ministry recorded confirmed outbreaks in 20 districts, while officials said that about 18 districts had registered outbreaks since the beginning of the year.The ministry said the outbreaks are being driven largely by low population immunity, inadequate uptake of the second MR dose, hard-to-reach populations, vaccine hesitancy, weak surveillance and delayed health-seeking.The April ministry statement said 75 per cent of reported measles cases were among children below five years, while 64 per cent of patients whose vaccination status was established had never received an MR vaccine. Another 33 per cent had received only one dose.Baganizi urged parents to take their children for vaccination even if they had previously received an MR dose.“This is a non-selective campaign, even if you have been vaccinated before. The purpose of this is called a booster vaccination. It is to boost your immunity to ensure that your immunity is very strong.”He said the campaign is separate from routine immunisation, under which children receive MR vaccines at nine and 18 months.The ministry of Health said the campaign is being conducted with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organisation and UNICEF.Highly infectious diseaseMeasles is one of the most infectious diseases. WHO says a person infected with measles can generate up to 18 secondary infections, while the virus can spread through respiratory droplets and remain active in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours.The disease can cause fever, rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. Severe complications include pneumonia, diarrhoea and neurological complications, particularly among young and malnourished children.The ministry said 60 measles-related deaths were recorded in 2025, with 31 per cent occurring in the Karamoja region. Twelve additional measles-related deaths had been confirmed between January and April 2026.Rubella riskRubella, commonly known as German measles, is generally mild in children and adults but can have serious consequences when contracted during pregnancy.WHO says infection during early pregnancy can result in miscarriage, fetal death or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which can cause hearing impairment, eye defects, congenital heart defects and developmental problems. Infection early in pregnancy can result in fetal abnormalities in up to 90 per cent of cases.Dr Annet Kisakye, a WHO national professional officer responsible for routine immunisation and new vaccine introduction, urged parents and caregivers to have their children vaccinated.She said the MR vaccine has been used safely for decades and remains a key tool in preventing measles and rubella. Kisakye said some children may develop mild side effects such as a slight fever or rash after vaccination, which generally resolve on their own within 3 days.She advised parents to remain at the vaccination point for about 30 minutes after their children are vaccinated so that health workers can observe them for any immediate reactions.Shs 20 billion campaignThe government and development partners have committed about Shs 20 billion to the vaccination campaign, with Gavi providing the largest share of the financing. The campaign comes amid concerns over Uganda’s dependence on donor financing for immunisation. Jimmy Ameny, the Gavi grants coordinator at the ministry of Health, said Gavi’s new financing model has placed a ceiling on vaccine funding, with Uganda’s annual vaccine financing envelope set at about $51 million, compared with previous annual spending of up to $67 million.He said Gavi is currently providing about 93 per cent of the funding required for the October campaign, highlighting the need for Uganda to increase domestic financing for immunisation.Uganda already contributes about $9 million annually under the Gavi co-financing arrangement, but Ameny said the country would need to increase domestic investment as donor financing changes.The post Measles: Govt targets 7.4 million children in 5-day vaccination campaign appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.