Two thousand three hundred residents of Arua in the West Nile region have received free Yellow Fever Vaccination following a two-day vaccination exercise by the National Medical Stores (NMS) that took place between 23rd and 24th March 2021.
Speaking to the press after the vaccination exercise, the Arua District Health Officer, Dr Paul Bishop Drileba noted that the high demand for yellow fever vaccines and requested for extended periods of vaccination to further boost the immunity of residents in West Nile region.
“We had a very good turn up of 2,300 people receiving their doses of the Yellow Fever Vaccine. Honestly speaking, we appreciate this gesture by NMS and indeed the people of this side deserved it more and our request to NMS is to increase the doses going forward,” said Dr Drileba.
“It is very clear that the people appreciated this service. However, for NMS to fully vaccinate the people of Arua, we need like ten thousand doses and the campaign should run for 5 days,” he added.
In response, NMS’ Public Relations Officer, James Odong highlighted that the free exercise is “a token of our commitment to consistently contribute towards positive social development and better quality of life of Ugandans.”
“As NMS, we have noted the demand for the vaccine is high in Arua and we commit to continue enabling you and the entire country access quality medicines and vaccines as is your right. We urge you to also visit any health center where you can also access these vaccines. Prioritize your health at all times,” he emphasised.
NMS is mandated is to procure, store and distribute Essential Medicines and Medical Supplies (EMHS) to Public Health Facilities across the country and has previously held similar vaccination campaigns in various districts as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility agenda.
Moses Drani, 35, said the yellow vaccine will boost his immunity.
“I appreciate the vaccine considering that I do cross-border trade hence being vulnerable to all sorts of diseases including yellow fever,” said Drani.
Yellow fever vaccination in Uganda is normally taken by people traveling out of the country, owing to its cost – about Shs 100,000 a shot.
Yellow Fever, like malaria, is transmitted through mosquito bites.
Its symptoms include high fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting blood in stool and yellowing eyes.
NMS has over the years carried out yellow fever vaccination activities in several parts of the country.
Uganda is considered a high-risk country for Yellow fever by a comprehensive global strategy to Eliminate Yellow fever Epidemics (EYE).
NMS General Manager, Moses Kamabare emphasised that immunization remains the main strategic approach to prevent, contain and eliminate Yellow fever outbreaks.
“NMS has been an active partner with the people of Uganda for 27 years and it is an honor that we shall continue to defend and maintain. NMS is passionate about your lives,” said Kamabare.
