By Jael Namiganda
In the rural stretches of Nakaseke District, where bumpy roads snake through thick vegetation and the nearest health facility can be miles away, immunization used to be a luxury many couldn’t afford. For mothers like Nalubowa Rebecca, every vaccine meant a painful decision—pay for transport or feed her family.
“I once had to skip my child’s 9-month immunization because I couldn’t raise the UGX 60,000 for transport to the hospital,” she recalled, holding her youngest close. “It was heartbreaking.”
But today, the story is changing. Thanks to the “Saving Lives and Livelihoods” project by AMREF Health Africa, supported through increased health sector funding, the tide is turning in Nakaseke. Over the past four months, immunization numbers have seen a steady rise, and hope is spreading across communities once cut off from basic healthcare.
At the heart of this transformation is a strategy rooted in access, outreach, and education. Through the project, AMREF has partnered with the Nakaseke District Local Government to strengthen immunization services for both children and adults. Diseases like Yellow Fever, Hepatitis B, and measles—once difficult to guard against in remote areas—are now being tackled head-on.
Dr. Simon Aliga, the District Health Officer, explained, “The support from AMREF has filled a critical gap. We’re now able to reach even the most remote villages and screen for other diseases like hypertension and diabetes during the same visits.”
The organization funded eight health facilities to conduct regular mobile outreaches, bringing services to the doorsteps of families in hard-to-reach areas. Before AMREF’s support, the district could only manage 75 outreach sessions monthly—far short of the 142 needed. Now, that number has climbed to 91 and continues to grow.
Mukagetale Gorrette, Secretary for Finance, emphasized the importance of targeted funding. “During the Child Health Days, AMREF contributed UGX 30 million, which allowed us to reach children who had missed their vaccines. Without that, many would have gone unprotected.”
Transport for health workers, community education, capacity building, and even training for local leaders were all part of the package. Village Health Teams (VHTs) were empowered to go door to door, ensuring no child or adult was left behind.
Senyange Edward, a nurse at Wakyato Health Center III, noted the shift on the ground. “We’re now running what we call ‘combined virus clinics,’ offering not just immunization but antenatal care, malaria testing, and even HIV counseling. It’s comprehensive—and people are responding positively.”
Still, challenges remain. Roads remain poor, especially during the rainy season. Some families still have to travel long distances if they miss an outreach session. But for the first time in years, local leaders say they are seeing real progress.
Gwanya Moses, the District Immunization Focal Person, believes it’s all about partnership. “We’ve seen that when the government, NGOs, and communities work together, we can achieve great things—even in tough conditions.”
For mothers like Rebecca, the change is deeply personal. “Now, when the health workers come, I gather all my children, and we make sure they get every vaccine. I feel relieved. I feel safe.”
In Nakaseke, vaccines are no longer out of reach—they’re becoming part of everyday life.
