Uganda Receives New Batch of Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccines from Egypt
Uganda has received a second shipment of 3 million vaccine doses from Egypt in a continued effort to combat the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the country. This latest batch, which follows an initial consignment of 3 million doses received in May, aims to strengthen the country’s response to the epidemic.
The vaccines were received at Entebbe International Airport by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations. He was joined by Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF); Hon. Bright Rwamirama, Minister of State for Animal Industry; Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama, MAAIF Permanent Secretary; and other senior officials. Their presence underscored the importance of this consignment in the fight against FMD.
The FMD outbreak has severely affected 32 districts across Uganda, leading to the implementation of quarantine measures. Districts such as Luwero, Gomba, Isingiro, Kazo, Kiruhura, and Sembabule are among those impacted. The Ministry of Agriculture has responded by banning the movement of livestock and livestock products into, out of, or through these districts to curb the spread of the disease.
Vaccination Needs and Costs
Uganda’s total susceptible animal herd requires 44 million doses of FMD vaccine annually, necessitating a bi-annual vaccination program. This program costs approximately $176 million per year. The recent vaccine shipments from Egypt are critical in supporting this extensive vaccination effort, providing much-needed relief to the affected areas.
The swift delivery of the vaccines was facilitated by Gen Kainerugaba’s engagement with Egyptian authorities, marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to control the FMD outbreak. These efforts form part of the collaboration between Uganda and Egypt in addressing agricultural and veterinary health challenges.
Key Details of the Vaccine Shipment and FMD Response
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Vaccine Doses Received | 6 million (3 million in May, 3 million in July) |
| Key Figures Involved | Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Hon. Bright Rwamirama |
| Affected Districts | 32 districts including Luwero, Gomba, Isingiro, Kazo, Kiruhura |
| Annual Vaccine Requirement | 44 million doses |
| Cost of Vaccination Program | $176 million per year |
| Response Measures | Quarantine, movement ban of livestock and livestock products |
