By Christine
Health experts in Fort Portal City have raised concern over the ongoing teachers’ strike, saying it has significantly disrupted child immunization and other school-based health programs.
The experts, say that many pupils have missed routine vaccinations and health services that are usually delivered through schools during the third term.
The City Immunization Focal Person, Mrs. Margret Rukindo Abwoli, revealed that the October round of Child Health Days recorded poor attendance, particularly in government-aided schools, since most pupils were not attending classes during the exercise.
She added that the City Health Department is now working closely with Village Health Teams (VHTs) to organize community outreach programs aimed at reaching children who missed their vaccines.
The Child Health Days, conducted twice a year in April and October provide essential health services such as immunization against measles and polio, deworming, and nutrition support.
Mrs. Rukindo appealed to parents and guardians to take an active role in ensuring their children are immunized, even outside the school setting.
Health officials fear that if the gap caused by the teachers’ strike is not addressed, it could increase the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases among school-going children in the city.