According to the Yumbe Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin (Epi-Week 15, April 2026), the region is managing a complex public health landscape, with malaria remaining the leading cause of illness despite staying below epidemic thresholds. The recent launch of the Yumbe REOC Steering Committee marks a governance milestone, but administrative challenges and gaps in disease screening continue to place several districts under heightened scrutiny.
Malaria accounted for 2,327 confirmed cases across five districts during the reporting period. Although transmission remains within expected levels, discrepancies in treatment practices persist: 3,089 patients were treated for malaria—equivalent to 132% of confirmed cases—indicating continued treatment of test-negative or untested patients.
Tuberculosis (TB) indicators show mixed progress. While overall TB cases declined between August 2025 and March 2026, Koboko district has reported a recent increase. Screening coverage met the 90% target in Yumbe, Moyo, and Koboko, but Obongi and Adjumani remain below the 80% threshold and are classified as “red flag” districts. Immunisation coverage for DPT and measles (MR1) also remains uneven, with low uptake in Obongi, Moyo, and Adjumani raising concerns about zero-dose children and outbreak risk. Three suspected measles cases are currently under investigation.
HIV trends indicate continued transmission, with Adjumani reporting the highest number of new infections, followed by Yumbe and Koboko. Yumbe has recorded relatively stable incidence over the past eight months, although seasonal fluctuations persist. Surveillance teams also verified 18 cases of acute flaccid paralysis and one signal for mpox in Koboko.
Administrative and reporting challenges remain a concern. Regional reporting rates declined from 85% earlier in the year to 75% by mid-April, and no district met the national target for reporting timeliness. Adjumani, Koboko, and Yumbe were identified as the lowest performers.
Health authorities are calling for strengthened community-based surveillance and greater public engagement to ensure early reporting of suspected cases and more timely outbreak response.
