Over 10,000 Measles Cases Recorded as Uganda Battles New Wave

Uganda is experiencing a resurgence of measles cases, the Ministry of Health has announced, attributing the increase to gaps in vaccination coverage and low public awareness about routine immunisation.

According to Dr Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, the surge is largely driven by low population immunity resulting from suboptimal vaccination uptake, particularly the second dose of the Measles-Rubella vaccine administered at 18 months (MR2). Many caregivers remain unaware of the second dose requirement, while access challenges in hard-to-reach areas, vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation, weak surveillance systems, and delayed health-seeking behaviour have further worsened the situation.

Dr Olaro noted that complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, and severe malnutrition, combined with delays in seeking medical care, have significantly contributed to measles-related deaths. He added that some survivors suffer long-term neurological complications, including permanent brain injury and lasting impairment.

In 2025, a total of 66 districts reported confirmed measles outbreaks, with over 10,163 cases and 60 deaths recorded. Notably, 31% of the deaths occurred in the Karamoja sub-region.

Between January and April 2026, 20 districts confirmed outbreaks, including Bulambuli, Kassanda, Amolatar, Kibaale, Nwoya, Karenga, Amuru, Agago, Kagadi, Kiboga, Kyegegwa, Kaabong, Kotido, Kween, Lira, Sembabule, Kikuube, Gulu, Kazo, Mubende, and Adjumani.

A total of 12 measles-related deaths have been confirmed so far in 2026, reported in Kagadi, Kikuube, Adjumani, Bulambuli, and Karenga. These deaths have largely been linked to malnutrition, delayed care, and lack of vaccination.

A national risk assessment indicates that nearly half of Uganda’s districts remain at moderate to high risk of measles transmission.

Dr Olaro says that Uganda has made progress in immunisation, with national measles vaccination coverage increasing from 79% in 2016 to 90% in 2024. However, this remains below the 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks.

While national immunisation campaigns in 2019 and 2022 achieved high coverage rates of 94.3% and 96%, respectively, routine immunisation gaps persist. In 2025, coverage for the first dose (MR1) stood at 92%, compared to only 64% for the second dose (MR2), leaving many children inadequately protected.

Investigations further reveal that 75% of measles cases occur among children under five years, with 64% of affected children having received no vaccination at all. Only 33% had received a single dose, which is insufficient for full protection.

In response, the Ministry of Health, with support from partners including GAVI, WHO, and UNICEF, has implemented several measures:

• Activation of national and regional outbreak coordination mechanisms
• Conducting investigations and laboratory confirmation of cases
• Supporting district-led vaccination campaigns targeting children aged 9–59 months
• Strengthening risk communication and community engagement
• Integrating measles vaccination into Integrated Child Health Days (ICHDs)
• Deploying additional vaccines and resources to high-risk districts
• Enhancing surveillance and outbreak response capacity

Despite these efforts, officials emphasise the need for a more comprehensive approach to ensure all children are reached.

About Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact. It is particularly dangerous for children under five, especially those who are unvaccinated.

An infected person can transmit the virus from four days before the onset of a rash to four days after.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Skin rash
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red eyes

Nationwide Immunisation Campaign Planned

The Ministry of Health has announced a nationwide Measles-Rubella immunisation campaign scheduled from 1st to 5th October 2026. The campaign targets all children aged 9 to 59 months, including those in refugee communities, regardless of their previous vaccination status.

The exercise will be conducted under the Integrated Child Health Days (ICHDs) framework to maximise reach and impact.

Vaccination services will be provided free of charge through:

• Health facilities and mobile outreach posts
• Schools and community-based sites

In addition to vaccination, the campaign aims to strengthen routine immunisation systems and enhance surveillance for measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome.

The Director General is urging parents, caregivers, and community leaders to ensure that all eligible children are vaccinated.

“Measles is a preventable disease, and the Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe and effective. Children should receive two doses, at 9 months and 18 months, to achieve full protection. Parents and guardians are reminded that ensuring full immunisation is critical not only for protecting individual children but also for safeguarding public health.”