Government to Vaccinate 10,000 High-Risk Health Workers Against Ebola
In a proactive move to safeguard public health, the government of Uganda is gearing up to vaccinate over 10,000 high-risk health workers against Ebola, with the campaign slated to commence in May 2024.
Dr. Henry Kyobe, an epidemiologist from the Ministry of Health and leader of the Ebola response task force, announced the initiative following the reception of a substantial donation of 25,000 double doses from Johnson & Johnson on Wednesday.
Dr. Kyobe highlighted that the vaccination drive, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and Johnson & Johnson, aims to fortify the nation’s defenses against potential outbreaks, particularly the Sudanese strain that afflicted the country in 2022. The vaccination rollout is scheduled to kick off in May, after meticulous preparatory groundwork, emphasizing the importance of a thorough and methodical approach.
Identified through comprehensive risk assessments, the targeted areas encompass 20 districts along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), extending from West Nile to Kisoro, as well as selected high-risk zones in Kampala. Health workers in frontline facilities and individuals vulnerable to Ebola transmission will receive the vaccine, strategically bolstering the nation’s resilience against the epidemic.
Dr. Kyobe underscored that vaccination complements traditional preventive measures such as contact tracing and safe burial practices, augmenting Uganda’s multifaceted approach to Ebola containment.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, administered in two doses—a primary dose followed by a booster—primarily targets resistance against the Zaire strain of Ebola. Dr. Andrew Kambugu, Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), lauded the readiness of their team to spearhead the vaccination campaign as implementing partners.
This proactive vaccination initiative exemplifies Uganda’s commitment to preemptive public health strategies, further enhancing the country’s preparedness to combat the Ebola pandemic.