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Health authorities in Uganda have raised the alarm over a polio outbreak within the country, which has been traced to a strain originating from Somalia. Uganda’s Health Minister, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, emphasized the urgent need to eradicate polio worldwide, urging Ugandans to step up efforts to prevent further spread of the disease.
“We need to get rid of polio from the world, and Ugandans need to work very hard for this to happen,” Dr. Aceng stated during a press conference.
WHO Identifies Polio Strain Origin
A WHO expert confirmed that the polio cases in Uganda are genetically linked to a strain found in Somalia. This highlights the cross-border health risks associated with polio, which primarily affects children under five and can lead to paralysis or even death in severe cases. In response, the WHO has stepped up its vaccination campaign across East Africa, aiming to curb further transmission.
Health Campaigns and Vaccination Drive
In a collaborative effort, Ugandan health officials and the WHO are working to ramp up vaccination campaigns, especially in high-risk areas and among vulnerable communities. This includes mobilizing healthcare workers to administer the oral polio vaccine, which remains the most effective tool against the virus.
Global Efforts Against Polio and Ongoing Challenges
The resurgence of polio in Uganda underscores the broader challenge facing global health organizations: while polio has been largely eliminated in many parts of the world, isolated outbreaks continue in regions with limited healthcare access. Dr. Aceng’s call for collective action reflects Uganda’s commitment to the WHO’s goal of achieving a polio-free world.