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By Naome Namusoke/KMA Updates
The Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, has issued a stern warning to district officials against misusing vehicles designated for vaccine distribution, emphasizing that they should not be repurposed for personal or commercial activities such as fish vending.
Speaking at the National Medical Stores (NMS) in Kajjansi, Wakiso district, Dr. Aceng officially launched the vaccine last-mile delivery initiative, a program designed to ensure timely and direct delivery of vaccines to health facilities every month. The initiative marks a shift from the previous system where deliveries stopped at district or city vaccine stores.
“This initiative will strengthen our immunization program by reducing stock-outs, preventing wastage, and reaching zero-dose children who have never received any vaccine,” Dr. Aceng said. The launch was attended by key health partners including GAVI, WHO, and PATH.
The government, in collaboration with development partners, has invested USD 2 million to purchase 28 specialized vaccine-distribution vehicles. The first batch of 20 vehicles has already been delivered, with the remaining 8 expected soon. The vehicles will be managed and deployed by NMS for use strictly within district health operations.
Dr. Aceng, however, raised concerns over previous misuse of government vehicles intended for health services. “No district should hijack these vehicles and transform them into fish-selling vehicles,” she warned. “They remain the sole property of NMS, only for vaccine distribution. I say this because I have evidence of what has previously happened with COVID-19 and GAVI pick-ups.”
She also highlighted the poor vaccine coverage in some areas, particularly in the Busoga region, which is why the rollout will begin there. “We have 12 districts that are poorly performing, and vaccine supervision remains weak in these areas. There’s a need to maintain cold chain systems to ensure vaccine quality,” she added.
The Health Minister called for continued monitoring and feedback to improve the initiative. “Let us support the teams on the ground. I also urge NMS and UNEPI to keep collecting vital data throughout the phased rollout,” she said.
Representing the board chairperson of the National Medical Stores, Dr. Medard Bikyeterezo from the National Drug Authority commended development partners for their support. “The design of these vehicles is the best in Africa,” he noted.
The funding for the vehicles was pooled from the Government of Uganda, World Bank, GAVI, and other international partners. This effort marks a significant step toward universal vaccine coverage and equitable healthcare access across Uganda.