By Joseph Mary Buwule
FORT PORTAL CITY, UGANDA: The Omukama of Tooro Kingdom, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, has launched a five-day Measles-Rubella vaccination exercise aimed at protecting young children against the two highly infectious diseases.
The vaccination campaign was launched on Thursday at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal City, with the exercise targeting children aged nine months to below five years.
Speaking during the launch, Omukama Nyabongo I called upon parents, guardians and caregivers across the Tooro region to take advantage of the campaign and ensure that all eligible children receive the vaccine.
The Omukama emphasized the importance of vaccination in protecting children from preventable diseases and urged parents not to miss the opportunity provided through the campaign.
He also appealed to the media to play a central role in mobilizing communities by publicizing the vaccination exercise and providing parents with accurate information about where and when they can access the services.
The call comes as health authorities and partners intensify efforts to reach children in communities and strengthen routine immunization coverage.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious complications, particularly among young children. Rubella, although often mild, can also pose serious risks when contracted by pregnant women because of the potential impact on unborn babies.
Health officials therefore encourage parents and caregivers to ensure that children within the targeted age group are presented for vaccination during the five-day exercise.
The launch at Karuziika Palace also underscored the role of cultural institutions in supporting public health programmes and mobilizing communities. Through his appeal, the Omukama encouraged families to participate in the campaign and contribute to efforts aimed at protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The five-day exercise is expected to reach children across communities in the Tooro region, with health workers and other stakeholders involved in mobilization and vaccination activities.
Parents who have children aged nine months to under five years have been urged to seek information from health workers and take their children to designated vaccination points during the campaign.
The involvement of the Tooro Kingdom leadership is expected to strengthen community awareness and encourage greater participation in the vaccination exercise, while the media has been tasked with ensuring that information about the campaign reaches as many families as possible.
With the exercise running for five days, health authorities are calling on parents and caregivers to act promptly and ensure that eligible children are vaccinated within the campaign period.