Amuru, Uganda — In a proactive effort to contain the ongoing cholera outbreak, Amuru District Health Authorities have partnered with counterparts at Nimule Hospital in Nimule Town, South Sudan, to coordinate a cross-border vaccination campaign.
The initiative targets communities along the Uganda–South Sudan border, where the waterborne disease has affected several populations. Health officials emphasized that timely vaccination campaigns are crucial in reducing cholera transmission, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water and healthcare services.
Challenges Highlighted by Local Authorities
Local leaders and health authorities in Amuru have expressed concerns over what they describe as the Ministry of Health’s limited response to the outbreak. Resource constraints, including insufficient vaccines and medical personnel, have hampered local efforts to control the disease. The cross-border collaboration seeks to overcome these challenges by pooling expertise, manpower, and vaccine supplies to reach high-risk populations efficiently.
Key Objectives of the Vaccination Drive
- Immunize vulnerable communities in border towns to reduce cholera transmission
- Strengthen collaboration between Uganda and South Sudan health authorities
- Promote public health education on WASH — safe water use, sanitation, and hygiene practices
- Improve outbreak surveillance and reporting systems for rapid response
Community Engagement and Public Health Measures
Health officials urge residents in affected areas to actively participate in the vaccination campaign and adhere to recommended hygiene practices. Key measures include:
- Boiling or properly treating drinking water
- Regular handwashing with soap
- Using safe sanitation facilities
- Reporting suspected cholera cases promptly
Cross-Border Collaboration as a Model
This initiative exemplifies how regional health cooperation can address public health emergencies that transcend national borders. By sharing resources, expertise, and surveillance data, Uganda and South Sudan aim to reduce the risk of further outbreaks and protect vulnerable communities along the border.
Soruce: URN
