By Wamala Sipirian
Published: October 1, 2026
Uganda has launched a five-day measles-rubella vaccination campaign targeting children aged nine months to five years as the Ministry of Health responds to reported measles cases and gaps in routine vaccine coverage.
The campaign runs from October 1 to October 5, with parents and guardians encouraged to take eligible children to health centres and designated vaccination points established within communities.
According to the Ministry of Health, Uganda routinely vaccinates children against 14 diseases, but gaps have been identified in uptake of the second dose of the measles vaccine.
Under the routine immunisation schedule, children receive their first measles vaccine dose at nine months and a second dose at 18 months. The Ministry says many children receive the first dose but do not return for the second.
The coverage gap has raised concern as measles cases continue to be reported in different parts of the country, with some children reportedly dying from the disease.
Children Eligible for Vaccination
The Ministry is urging parents and guardians to bring all children aged nine months to five years for vaccination during the campaign, regardless of whether they have previously received a measles vaccine dose.
Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi said children who have already completed the routine two-dose measles vaccination schedule should also receive the additional campaign dose.
The vaccine will be provided free of charge at health centres and designated community vaccination points.
The Ministry said reaching children across the target age group is intended to strengthen protection against measles and rubella, reduce transmission and help prevent measles-related deaths.
The campaign is part of Uganda’s broader efforts to strengthen routine childhood immunisation and address gaps in vaccine coverage that can leave communities vulnerable to outbreaks.
Parents and guardians have been urged to use the five-day campaign to ensure eligible children receive the measles-rubella vaccine.