By Edward Byamukama
The Kagadi district Health department has reported significant challenges in combating major disease outbreaks such as the resurgence of measles in the district.
Measles outbreak that was confirmed in the district last month has so far claimed lives of three children with the sub-counties of Ndaiga, Kyakabadiima and Kyaterekera registering more cases.
Measles patients present symptoms such as cough, runny nose, red-watery eyes, high fever, skin rashes, vomiting and diarrhea.
However, the acting Kagadi district Health Officer Theodora Kajumba decried numerous challenges faced in the fight against the major disease outbreaks in the district.
She says some parents are hesitant to immunize their children due to misinformation regarding the immunization safety, the influx of Congolese immigrants and refugees into the district that has also frustrated efforts of the health teams to contain the measles outbreak.
Kajumba notes that some Congolese immigrants cross into the country, some with measles infections due to low vaccination coverage in their country and spread the highly contagious disease to the communities.
She also cited the geographical barriers in areas such as Ndaiga whose hilly terrain creates immunization outreaches almost impossible, understaffing in the health sector among other huddles.
Kajumba also advocates for the upgrade of Ndaiga Health center III to a health center IV status and deployment of more staff to the facility to provide better health care to the border community.
Ms. Kajumba is urging parents and caregivers to ensure children are fully immunized and to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms are observed.
Meanwhile the health officer also warned the public, urging them to take proactive measures to safeguard their health and prevent the spread of diseases commonly associated with this rainy season.
She urges the public to avoid self-medication and always visit health facilities early for diagnosis and treatment.
