Katakwi, Uganda – The Iteso cultural institution has directed all clan chairpersons to mobilize the public in Teso to accept the ongoing polio vaccination program in the country. The call was made by Simon Peter Ojaman, the adviser to His Highness Paul Sande Emolot-Etomaileng, the Iteso Cultural Leader, who stated that this initiative is key to the health of Ugandan children.
Ojaman made this statement today, October 2, 2024, at the Katakwi District Chambers, where all district ICU clan chairpersons were invited to discuss the polio vaccination program with experts from the Ministry. Hon. Geoffrey Omolo, the LC5 for Katakwi District, emphasized that the vaccine is safe, secure, and effective, urging the public and especially church institutions to avoid politicizing the government program.
The Ugandan Ministry of Health is set to administer the new oral polio vaccine (nOPV2) to over 8.7 million children aged zero to five years in a nationwide door-to-door campaign from Thursday to Sunday, October 3 to 6, 2024. This initiative is part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
According to Dr. Richard Kule, the national supervisor for the polio campaign in Katakwi under the Ministry of Health, the vaccination targets children under the age of five. Kule stated that the exercise will last for four days, starting Thursday, October 3, and ending Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the usual immunization sites across the districts.
The District Health Educator in Katakwi, Michael Okiror, said that after the vaccination at the selected community points, the vaccine will be staged at health facilities across the country.
According to reports from the District Health Office in Katakwi, they are targeting to vaccinate a total of 43,997 children under the age of five.
What is Polio?
Polio is a virus that may cause paralysis and is easily preventable by the polio vaccine. It is transmitted through contaminated water or food, or through contact with an infected person.
Symptoms
Polio requires a medical diagnosis. Many people infected with the poliovirus do not become sick and have no symptoms. However, those who do become ill may develop paralysis, which can sometimes be fatal.
Benefits of the Vaccine
The vaccine is safe and effective. The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) protects against severe disease caused by poliovirus in almost everyone who has received all the recommended doses. Two doses of IPV provide at least 90% protection, while three doses provide at least 99% protection.
Effectiveness of the Polio Vaccine
A completed polio vaccine series confers high levels of immunity. After three doses of the standard four-dose series of the inactivated polio vaccine, efficacy stands at 99% to 100%.
