Uganda has initiated a five-day nationwide campaign to provide free measles vaccinations to all children aged nine months to five years. The campaign, launched in early October, aims to address immunity gaps and curb recent outbreaks of the disease across the country.

In a statement issued before the campaign began, Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi emphasized that the initiative targets all eligible children, regardless of their previous vaccination status. “The objective of this campaign is to close the existing immunity gaps,” Baryomunsi said, adding that the government’s long-term goal is to strengthen routine immunization programs to ensure timely vaccination and maintain sufficient population immunity to prevent future outbreaks.

The urgency of the campaign follows reports of widespread measles activity in Uganda. Since the start of 2026, measles outbreaks have been confirmed in 20 districts, resulting in 12 deaths. This continues a troubling trend from 2025, when 66 districts reported outbreaks, with more than 10,163 cases and 60 fatalities, according to government data.

Technical teams investigating the outbreaks identified gaps in immunization coverage as a key factor fueling the spread of measles. These gaps stem from children either missing vaccinations entirely or receiving only one of the two doses recommended for effective protection against the disease.

The campaign represents a coordinated effort to rapidly increase immunity among Uganda’s young population, aiming to reduce the incidence of measles and prevent further loss of life. Health officials have indicated that while the immediate response focuses on mass vaccination, sustained efforts to enhance routine immunization remain a priority to safeguard public health in the longer term.