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Humanitarian Bulletin
Eastern Africa
Issue 6 | 11 ? 25 May 2012
...
Uganda struggles to battle cholera, Nodding Syndrome, measles
Since the start of 2012, a cumulative total of 3,111 cholera cases with 76 deaths have
been reported from the 13 districts reporting such cases according to the Ministry of
Health (MoH). Overall case fatality rate nationally is 2.44 per cent. Recent
epidemiological analysis indicates that interventions are not achieving effective control,
with new cases being reported and new areas being affected. Affected districts include:
Mbale, Bududa, Sironko, and Manafwa in eastern Uganda; Hoima, Buliisa, Kibaale,
Masindi, Nebbi, Zombo, and Nwoya in the Albertine Rift in western and north-western
Uganda; and Kasese and Bundibuyo in western Uganda. The majority of new cases were
reported from Hoima, Kibaale, Nebbi and Buliisa. The affected areas in these districts are
fishing villages located along Lake Albert that are crowded with many people but with no
access to safe water and sanitation facilities. According to MoH, all affected districts have
received case management supplies and visits from MoH technical teams to support
response efforts. Partners including UNICEF, MSF-France, World Vision and the Uganda
Red Cross have been key contributors to the response. Following a variety of field
missions and an in-depth evaluation of the response, MoH and WHO are to devise a
comprehensive national cholera response plan to mobilise resources to address
response gaps.
MoH has meanwhile been faced with a mysterious disease condition named ?Nodding
Syndrome?, being reported in the northern districts of Kitgum, Pader and Lamwo.
Primarily affecting children between aged 5 to 15 years, the condition was first noticed
around 2003 in Kitgum district, and is characterized by head nodding, mental retardation
and stunted growth. Investigations found that the disease was a new type of progressive
epileptogenic or seizure disorder that to date has affected at least 3,000 children, most of
whom (93 per cent) live in areas where Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) is prevalent.
The nodding is sometimes precipitated by food or cold water and is often accompanied by
seizures or staring spells. During the episodes, the child stops feeding and appears nonresponsive,
with or without loss of consciousness. There is deterioration of brain function
(motor, cognitive and psychological ability) in some of the victims, and malnutrition with
growth retardation in the majority of cases. Children become malnourished and often drop
out of school. MoH, WHO, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and
other partners continue to respond based on a multi-sectoral response plan developed in
February 2012.
Finally, measles outbreaks have been confirmed from 46 districts with a total of 367
laboratory confirmed cases. According to the MoH, nationwide mass measles campaign
targeting children under age 5 is planned for 26-28 May.
...
Eastern Africa
Issue 6 | 11 ? 25 May 2012
...
Uganda struggles to battle cholera, Nodding Syndrome, measles
Since the start of 2012, a cumulative total of 3,111 cholera cases with 76 deaths have
been reported from the 13 districts reporting such cases according to the Ministry of
Health (MoH). Overall case fatality rate nationally is 2.44 per cent. Recent
epidemiological analysis indicates that interventions are not achieving effective control,
with new cases being reported and new areas being affected. Affected districts include:
Mbale, Bududa, Sironko, and Manafwa in eastern Uganda; Hoima, Buliisa, Kibaale,
Masindi, Nebbi, Zombo, and Nwoya in the Albertine Rift in western and north-western
Uganda; and Kasese and Bundibuyo in western Uganda. The majority of new cases were
reported from Hoima, Kibaale, Nebbi and Buliisa. The affected areas in these districts are
fishing villages located along Lake Albert that are crowded with many people but with no
access to safe water and sanitation facilities. According to MoH, all affected districts have
received case management supplies and visits from MoH technical teams to support
response efforts. Partners including UNICEF, MSF-France, World Vision and the Uganda
Red Cross have been key contributors to the response. Following a variety of field
missions and an in-depth evaluation of the response, MoH and WHO are to devise a
comprehensive national cholera response plan to mobilise resources to address
response gaps.
MoH has meanwhile been faced with a mysterious disease condition named ?Nodding
Syndrome?, being reported in the northern districts of Kitgum, Pader and Lamwo.
Primarily affecting children between aged 5 to 15 years, the condition was first noticed
around 2003 in Kitgum district, and is characterized by head nodding, mental retardation
and stunted growth. Investigations found that the disease was a new type of progressive
epileptogenic or seizure disorder that to date has affected at least 3,000 children, most of
whom (93 per cent) live in areas where Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) is prevalent.
The nodding is sometimes precipitated by food or cold water and is often accompanied by
seizures or staring spells. During the episodes, the child stops feeding and appears nonresponsive,
with or without loss of consciousness. There is deterioration of brain function
(motor, cognitive and psychological ability) in some of the victims, and malnutrition with
growth retardation in the majority of cases. Children become malnourished and often drop
out of school. MoH, WHO, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and
other partners continue to respond based on a multi-sectoral response plan developed in
February 2012.
Finally, measles outbreaks have been confirmed from 46 districts with a total of 367
laboratory confirmed cases. According to the MoH, nationwide mass measles campaign
targeting children under age 5 is planned for 26-28 May.
...