HEPS- Uganda launches campaign to curb escalating Tetanus infections, deaths

By Ben Musanje

16^th Sept 2022

It has been disclosed that around 3,000 to 5,000 people are affected by Tetanus in Uganda and almost all patients die due to limited supportive treatment.

According to the findings from the Uganda National Expanded Program on Immunization–UNEPI, patients die because Tetanus requires emergency and long-term supportive treatment in the Intensive Care Unit-ICU.

This has propelled the Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS-Uganda), a non-governmental organization that promotes the rights of poor and vulnerable people with a particular focus on health, to partner with the Stop Tetanus Club, the Ministry of Health, and some media houses to initiate a campaign to prevent deaths resulting from Tetanus.

The month-long initiative is dubbed “Stop Tetanus Awareness Campaign” that will start in September and climax with a charity run and vaccination on the 16^th of October, 2022 from City Square to Mulago Hospital.

HEPS-Uganda Executive Director Kenneth Mwehonge says the campaign will create public awareness of Tetanus, and mobilize funds and resources toward supporting Tetanus patients and survivors.

The Ministry of Health Acting Director for Public Health, Dr. Allan Muruta admits that there is limited information about the need for a booster dose after 10 years believing that this campaign will bridge the gap.

The World Health Organization –WHO estimates that mortality from Tetanus is close to 100% without medical care, often exceeding 50% even with hospital care.