The Ugandan government has launched a nationwide Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) preventative campaign targeting over 1.6 million children from age one year and above in the 11 defined cholera-endemic districts of the country.

Uganda/CIA
Uganda/CIA

In a statement released on September 5, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the campaign is aimed at preventing and controlling cholera in Arua, Buliisa, Busia, Hoima, Kasese, Moyo, Namayingo, Nebbi, Ntoroko, Pakwach and Zombo districts.

Ugandan Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng said Uganda records an annual average of 1,850 cases and 45 deaths from cholera. WHO-Uganda Immunization Focal Person Dr Annet Kisakye commended Uganda for its commitment to control cholera.

“Cholera hot spots are well-defined in Uganda. The OCV campaign provides an opportunity for Uganda to become one of the leading countries in cholera control, such as Zambia, from which others will be able to learn,” Dr Kisakye said.

The campaign is supported by the WHO and United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) to ensure Uganda becomes cholera-free by 2030. The current Uganda Cholera Prevention and Control Strategic Plan (2017 – 2022 seeks to achieve a 50% reduction in cholera prevalence by 2022.