Introduction of Preventive Vaccination of Meningococcal Meningitis using MenAfriVac in Northern Uganda 2017

BACKGROUND: Major outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis Sero-type A are cyclic; occurring every 10 years, with over 75% of the outbreak occurring within age category of 1–29 years. The overall objective of the preventative campaign was to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by meningococcal meningitis serotype A in Uganda. The specific of objective was to conduct a 90% coverage of MenAfriVac conjugate Vaccine in a target population of 1–29 years in 39 meningitis high-risk districts. METHODS: The 5 days’ campaign was conducted in 39 districts of northern Uganda with a total population of 10,142,326. A target population of (1–29 years) 7,198,555 was reached. Activities conducted during the preparation and implementation of the campaign included; district coordination meetings, district/health facility micro-planning meetings, district/sub county trainings of health workers and provision/distribution of logistics. The preventative campaign was conducted from 19th-23(rd) January 2017. RESULTS: A total of 7,228,554 (1–29 years) and 37,377(>30 years) were vaccinated in a period of 5days. The age categories of 1–5, 6–15, and 16–29 years were 10,842,831(15%), 1,879,424(26%), and 2,096,281(29%) in total population covered, respectively. Training at district level, 893 (males, 71%) health workers were trained while at sub county level 12,150 health workers were trained and 6,076 post mobilizers were sensitized. A total of 663 vaccination post was established in the 39 districts and 5,094,588 doses of MenAfriVac conjugate vaccine were utilized. The coverage achieved during the campaign was 104% with wastage factor of 2.3%. adverse events following immunization (AEFI) were 108cases (minor 101 and major 7). CONCLUSION: The preventive campaign was successful conducted despite massive influx of refuges from southern Sudan in some participating districts as noted by coverage of 104%. The MenAfriVac conjugate vaccine was safely introduced in Uganda. DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.