By Brian Atuhura

Masindi District Social Services Committee has been urged to intensify community mobilisation to ensure that all eligible children are presented for the forthcoming Measles-Rubella immunisation campaign.

The campaign will run from October 1 to 5,2026,targeting children aged between nine months and five years.
The exercise aims to protect children against Measles and Rubella by ensuring that all eligible children in the district are reached with the vaccine.

Addressing members of the Social Services Committee,District Vice-chair person Bright Mugume called on parents and caretakers to take responsibility for the health and well-being of their children by presenting them for immunisation during the campaign.

Mugume urged committee members to work closely with communities and use available platforms,including schools,places of worship and other community structures,to sensitise parents and caretakers about the importance of the campaign.

"I appeal to all parents and caretakers to ensure that they present their children for immunisation against Measles-Rubella,"Mugume said,emphasising the need for collective responsibility in protecting children against preventable diseases.

The Assistant District Health Officer in-charge of Maternal and Child Health,Brian Mugisha,also urged leaders to reassure parents and caretakers about the safety and purpose of the vaccine.

Mugisha explained that some children may develop a mild fever after receiving the Measles-Rubella vaccine,describing it as an expected minor reaction.

He encouraged leaders to provide communities with accurate information about the vaccination exercise to address misconceptions and concerns that could discourage parents from presenting their children for immunisation.

Mugisha said effective mobilisation and active community participation will be critical to ensuring that the campaign achieves it's intended impact.

The District health team plans to vaccinate approximately 59,000 eligible children during the five-day campaign,targeting vaccination coverage of morethan 95 percent.