Introduction of Preventive Vaccination of Meningococcal Meningitis using MenAfriVac in Northern Uganda 2017

Background: Major outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis Sero-type A are cyclic; occurring every 10 years, with over 75% of the outbreak occurring within age category of 1-29 years. The overall objective of the preventative campaign was to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by meningococcal meningitis serotype A in Uganda. The specific of objective was to conduct a 90% coverage of MenAfriVac conjugate Vaccine in a target population of 1-29 years in 39 meningitis high risk districts.

Methods: The 5 days’ campaign was conducted in 39 districts of northern Uganda with a total population of 10,142,326. A target population of (1-29years) 7,198,555 was reached. Activities conducted during the preparation and implementation of the campaign included; district coordination meetings, district/health facility micro-planning meetings, district/sub county trainings of health workers and provision/distribution of logistics. The preventative campaign was conducted from 19th-23^rd January 2017.

Results: A total of 7,228,554 (1-29yrs) and 37,377(>30yrs) were vaccinated in a period of 5days. The age categories of 1-5yrs, 6-15yrs,16-29yr were 10,842,831(15%), 1,879,424(26%) and 2,096,281(29%) in total population covered respectively. Training at district level, 893(male71%) health workers were trained while at sub county level 12150health workers were trained and 6076 post mobilizers were sensitized. A total of 663 vaccination post was established in the 39 districts and 5,094,588 doses of MenAfriVac conjugate vaccine were utilized. The coverage achieved during the campaign was 104% with wastage factor of 2.3%. adverse events following immunization (AEFI) were 108cases (minor 101 and major 7).

Conclusion: The preventive campaign was successful conducted despite massive influx of refuges from southern Sudan in some participating districts as noted by coverage of 104%. The MenAfriVac conjugate vaccine was safely introduced in Uganda.