Pader district strengthens measles surveillance after outbreak in Awere

5 November 2025, 7:23 pm

By Okwong Geoffrey

Pader District has on Monday held a joint stakeholders’ meeting aimed at strengthening the surveillance and response of the District Task Force (DTF) following a recent measles outbreak in Awere subcounty.

The meeting, held at the district health boardroom, was organised by the Ministry of Health (MoH) through the Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunization (UNEPI).

Dr. Nasif Matovu from the MoH said the Ministry’s mandate is to empower and build the capacity of districts to effectively investigate and respond to outbreaks. He noted that measles is a highly infectious disease transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets and contact.

Matovu emphasised the need to work closely with communities to increase awareness and report suspected cases.

“Measles usually presents with a sudden fever accompanied by a small skin rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body,” he said, adding that other symptoms include flu, cough, and red eyes.

He advised the public to report such symptoms to Village Health Teams (VHTs) for referral and management at nearby health facilities. Matovu further revealed that plans are underway to conduct a mass immunisation campaign targeting children aged nine months to five years to boost community immunity and curb the spread of the disease.

He warned that measles can be fatal if not properly managed, saying, “Statistically, between 3% and 10% of children who develop measles may die if the disease is not treated appropriately.”

David Nokrach, the health subdistrict surveillance focal person for Pader District Local Government, confirmed that the measles outbreak was detected on 22nd October 2025 after laboratory tests returned positive.

Nokrach said the meeting was successful, as comprehensive work plans were developed to contain the spread. He disclosed that the first four confirmed cases came from Obic East village, Angole parish in Awere subcounty, with 40 additional suspected cases showing similar symptoms.

He added that continued review of health facility data revealed earlier unconfirmed cases in some facilities before the official confirmation. Current hotspot areas include Pajule town council, Pader subcounty (particularly around Kilak Health Centre), and Tenam subcounty.

“No new cases have been reported in other subcounties yet, but we call for continued vigilance,” Nokrach said.

He added that with the District Task Force now fully operational, weekly reporting and comprehensive line listing of all cases will be conducted to enhance monitoring and control efforts.

The meeting, which brought together key health partners and local leaders, aimed to assess the scope of the outbreak, analyze risk factors, identify root causes, and generate a coordinated response plan.