Uganda witnessed an outbreak of meningitis, which led to the disruption of normal life. By now the Ugandan Health Ministry said that this has been brought under control. He said that the northeastern region of Karamoja, Uganda was the worst affected but now normal activities such political campaigns can resume.
Dr. Sam Okware, director of health services told the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation that people need not fear and that all the preventive measures have been tightened. Normal activities such as opening of schools and general elections campaigns can proceed without any fear.The government has sent a team to work to visit the badly affected areas. The team comprises of the officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) Children's Fund. The team sole aim is to visit areas such as Nabilatuk and Namalu sub-counties in Nakapiripirit district where the devastation is at its peak. Since January 2006 people in these affected areas were immunized.
Dr.Okware requested the people in Karamoja to allow Kenyans to be immunized so that meningitis is eradicated throughout the region. He said that people should be very careful regarding their personal hygiene, as it is the main cause of the disease.
Various preventive methods should be practiced such as improving the sanitation around the dwelling areas, thorough washing of hands, avoiding overcrowding and rushing to a nearby health center if feeling ill.
Ugandan officials reveal that the statistics show that about more than 300 cases of meningitis in Karamoja are recorded in the previous year. The rise in the number of cases is seen mainly in the districts of Kotido, Moroto and Nakapiripirit. In Nakapiripirit alone 288 cases are recorded with over 20 deaths.
