Uganda Launches Nationwide Measles Vaccination Campaign for Children

Uganda launched a five-day nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign on Thursday targeting nearly 7.9 million children aged nine months to 59 months across all 146 districts. Minister of Health Chris Baryomunsi cited persistent immunity gaps from pandemic disruptions and 66 confirmed outbreaks in 2025 as the drivers behind the urgent immunisation drive.

At Wakiso Health Center IV, nine-month-old Sly and his 23-month-old sister, Ivy, were among the first to receive their inoculations as their mother, Ritah Atukunda, brought them in for protection. Across Uganda, health officials launched a massive five-day immunisation push aimed at catching up on millions of missed doses following disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. The nationwide campaign targets children aged nine months to five years, regardless of their prior vaccination history.

I brought both my children because I want them to grow up healthy and protected, said Ritah, adding that she feared they would fall sick if left unvaccinated.

Measles Outbreaks Drive Uganda’s Campaign

In Uganda specifically, 66 districts reported confirmed measles outbreaks in 2025, resulting in more than 10,163 cases and 60 deaths. Since January of this year, outbreaks have been confirmed across 20 districts, claiming 12 lives. The push comes as health authorities confront a persistent public health threat.

Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda's Minister of Health vaccinating 9 month old Sly at Wakiso — Photo: afro.who.int

Technical investigations identified several structural vulnerabilities behind the spread, including coverage gaps from missed doses, hurdles in reaching remote communities, vaccine hesitancy, and surveillance weaknesses.

Ministry data shows that national measles vaccination coverage climbed from 79 per cent in 2016 to 90 per cent in 2024. However, that figure remains below the 95 per cent level required to interrupt transmission and prevent future outbreaks.

This vaccination campaign is about ensuring that our children survive, grow into adulthood and live healthy lives. Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda’s Minister of Health, said during the launch of the 2026 Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign.

Government launches nationwide Measles Rubella vaccination campaign

Nigeria and Niger Coordinate Vaccinations Along Shared Boundary

Surveillance data presented at the meeting revealed 78 reported cases of acute flaccid paralysis in Katsina State and 56 in the neighbouring Maradi and Zinder regions of Niger, alongside suspected cases of measles and diphtheria and confirmed cases of cerebrospinal meningitis. Nigeria and Niger are coordinating vaccination and surveillance along their shared boundary to protect children who travel regularly between the two countries. The initiative addresses a vulnerability where cross-border movement interrupts childhood immunisations and delays outbreak detection.

The cooperation was formalised during the third-quarter International Border Surveillance and Routine Immunization Synchronization Meeting held in Katsina State.

Uganda Launches Nationwide Measles Vaccination Campaign for Children — Photo: Ecofinagency

“Cross-border collaboration is critical to managing outbreaks such as diphtheria, measles and cerebrospinal meningitis, particularly in highly mobile communities.”

World Health Organization State Coordinator for Katsina State

Health teams from both countries previously reached about 94 per cent of targeted children during a joint August exercise focused on polio and routine immunisations. Under a newly agreed joint action framework, authorities will establish quarterly review meetings, share surveillance data rapidly, and expand services to underserved settlements and pastoralist gathering points.

Planning Regional Funding Pressures

African Leaders Malaria Alliance warned of the consequences of a 30 per cent funding cut, while several nations prepare their long-term immunisation strategies. Sierra Leone is reviewing its portfolio through its National Immunization Technical Advisory Group in preparation for Gavi’s 6.0 strategy, weighing the introduction of vaccines against measles, rubella, malaria, rotavirus, and pneumococcal disease.

In Ethiopia, WHO-backed projects are strengthening laboratory capacity and integrating human and animal health surveillance to improve outbreak responses in a country where approximately 22 million people require urgent humanitarian aid. At the same time, regional health sovereignty initiatives are advancing.