Uganda vaccinates more than 8.2 million children in Measles-Rubella Campaign

Africa, Health

KAMPALA, Uganda (NPA) — Uganda has vaccinated more than 8.2 million children against measles and rubella, exceeding the national target by nearly 670,000 children during a five-day vaccination campaign.

The Ministry of Health said 8,285,835 children aged between nine and 59 months received the measles-rubella vaccine during the campaign held from October 1 to 5, 2026.

The figure represents 108.8 per cent of the national target of 7,616,746 children, meaning an additional 669,089 children were reached beyond the initial target.

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The campaign provided an additional dose of the measles-rubella vaccine to eligible children, including those who had previously received the vaccine, as part of efforts to strengthen protection against the diseases amid ongoing outbreaks.

According to the Ministry of Health, the campaign was supported by health workers, Village Health Teams, district teams and community mobilisers who travelled to remote communities and navigated difficult terrain to reach children.

The ministry also acknowledged parents and caregivers who brought their children for vaccination, as well as local leaders, schools, religious and cultural institutions, development and implementing partners and the media for supporting the exercise.

Although the mass vaccination campaign has ended, the Ministry of Health said efforts to protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases would continue.

Parents and caregivers have been urged to ensure their children remain up to date with routine immunisations.

Those whose children missed the campaign have also been advised to contact the nearest health facility for guidance on vaccination.