Kasese District is grappling with a measles-rubella outbreak as resource shortages hinder vaccination efforts and community awareness campaigns. At the end of last month, the district confirmed three positive rubella cases, but health officials report no current hospital admissions.
The district’s response is heavily constrained due to the suspension of USAID-supported health programs, which previously funded disease outbreak interventions. A situational report presented to the District Taskforce at Kasese Municipal Health Centre III on Tuesday highlighted that the local health department is relying on an already overstretched Primary Health Care (PHC) fund, which is also being used for Mpox and Ebola preparedness.
Kasese District Surveillance Focal Person, Arafat Bwambale, raised concerns over logistical challenges, including poorly maintained motorcycles and a lack of fuel for rapid response teams. He called for increased government funding, particularly for border and disaster-prone districts like Kasese.
Dr. Amon Bwambale, the District Health Officer, noted that the immunization program—especially for children—is struggling due to financial constraints. Despite these challenges, Kasese Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Busongora, Zepher Mubingwa, commended the health workers for their dedication and resilience in combating the outbreak.
Health officials warn that without immediate intervention, the outbreak could escalate, putting more children at risk in a district already battling multiple health emergencies.
