Local authorities in Nakaseke District are calling on the Ministry of Health to expand the delivery of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine beyond schools to include communities, aiming to reach more girls, particularly those who are out of school.
Gorrettie Mukagatare, Secretary for Finance in the Nakaseke Local Government, emphasized the need for a more extensive outreach strategy.
While the HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer, is currently available in schools, many girls especially in rural areas like Nakaseke North remain unreached due to being out of school.
The HPV vaccine was rolled out nationally in 2015, targeting girls aged between 10 and 15 years.
However, Mukagatare, who was formerly the district’s health minister, noted that uptake in the cattle corridor remains low due to widespread misinformation and skepticism.
She cited community fears that the vaccine could cause infertility, a concern that is particularly prevalent among out-of-school girls.
These girls are often less likely to be included in vaccination efforts, as their parents may be more resistant to immunization campaigns.
Mukagatare pointed to recent progress made through a project called “Saving Lives and Livelihoods,” which is being implemented by AMREF Health Africa in Uganda, as an example of how targeted initiatives can help address these barriers and improve vaccine uptake.
By Our Reporter
9th June 2025
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