Health experts want Media interventions on child immunization to maintain child health and survival

5 October 2023, 2:41 pm

Byamukama Alozious

In 1962, Uganda established a comprehensive immunization program where high routine immunization coverage of infants especially for polio and Tuberculosis TB to improve child survival and health amidst misinterpretation, misinformation and lots of myths. The program registered some results until 1970, and 80’s where political unrests led to backslide, Tuberculosis coverage dropped.

 Immunization coverage resumed in high gears after the launch of Uganda National Extended Programe on Immunization UNEPI in 1983, this led to coverage reach 80% by 1990.

Of today, Uganda stands at 94% coverage where a total of 13 diseases are immunisable which has promoted child health and survival and assisting the economic growth.

13 diseases which are immunisable in Uganda

In the months of April and October every year ministry of health carries out a programe known as Integrated Child Health Days (ICHDs) where services like Provision of maternal and Child health services, Strengthened social mobilization, Stakeholder involvement, Support to community outreaches in all parishes are given at high level to increased awareness. During this month also, routine Immunization with all antigens are given in the first and second year of life, HPV and Td vaccination, Hepatitis B vaccination, and deworming, Vit A, and Nutrition assessment.

Dr. Atugonza Rita , The deputy director of UNEPI  says the ICHDs contribute in reducing morbidity, mortality and disability due to vaccine preventable diseases, so that they are no longer of public health importance and also ensures that every child and high-risk group is fully vaccinated with high quality and effective vaccines against the target diseases according to recommended strategies.

 “The Government have supported us with 5b to facilitate this program, and all districts across the country should have received the money” Dr. Atugonza said.

The funds are for purchasing and transportation vaccines, conducting outreaches, creating awareness among others

During media orientation in Kampala, Media was called on support the campaigns and be in favor for promotion of child health

Some members of community believe that immunization have negative effects like wounds which the ministry calls smith

Dr. Miria Ocaatre who is the assistant Commissioner Health Promotion, Education & communication at the ministry of Health says there are some  community members who still resist immunization and it’s the media to correct such mind set, because all children in Uganda have health rights

 ‘’We have a big challenge of social media where everyone is an communicator, these channels promote misinformation, misinterpretation passes through, that’s why we want media like you to help us dominate right facts”.

Uganda demographic Health Survey 2022 indicated that most parents take children for first doses especially for Tuberculosis, Diphtheria and Polio and fail to complete the entire routine of immunization. Dr. Atugonza attributes this to lack of information, poor timing, at times and absence of vaccine availability and poor communication form health workers

Immunization trend by UDHS report 2022