Medical Teams International and the UNHCR conducted a measles vaccination campaign in the Nakivale refugee camp located in the Isingiro district of Uganda. This health initiative took place during the week of October 5-11, 2026. Health workers focused the intervention on children aged 9 months to 5 years residing within the camp. The program aimed to address immunization needs among this specific pediatric population in the settlement.
The vaccination campaign took place during the week of October 5-11, 2026, in the Nakivale refugee camp, Isingiro district, Uganda. This specific timing was chosen to ensure the delivery of health services reached the target demographic of children aged 9 months to 5 years effectively. By focusing on this age range, the organizers intended to maximize the impact of the immunization effort within the settlement boundaries.
Scope of Refugee Population
Nakivale camp currently hosts more than 150,000 refugees. This total population includes over 35,000 individuals from Burundi. The Nakivale camp hosts more than 150,000 refugees, including over 35,000 Burundians. These figures represent the diverse demographic landscape that the Ugandan Ministry of Health and the UNHCR considered when planning the logistical requirements for the medical intervention.
Children aged 9 months to 5 years represent more than 35% of the total refugee population residing in Nakivale. Demographic data indicates this specific age group constitutes a significant portion of the settlement's residents. Medical teams relied on these figures to determine the reach of the recent immunization efforts within the camp. The target demographic for the vaccination is children aged 9 months to 5 years, a group identified as requiring specific medical attention to maintain health standards within the camp environment.
Community Mobilization and Support
The Ugandan Ministry of Health organized the measles vaccination campaign in direct collaboration with the UNHCR. These two entities managed the administrative and operational logistics required to deliver the medical intervention to the settlement. The campaign was organized by the Ugandan Ministry of Health in collaboration with the UNHCR to ensure that resources were allocated efficiently to cover the entire camp population.
Medical Teams International deployed community mobilizers to facilitate the program within the camp. These staff members engaged with the refugee population to ensure families understood the purpose of the vaccination schedule. Their presence assisted in the coordination of the pediatric age group identified for the immunization effort. Medical Teams International provided community mobilizers to assist with the campaign, serving as a vital link between the medical staff and the families residing in the camp.
Health officials confirmed that no cases of measles have been reported in the Nakivale camp in the last five years. This statistic informed the preventative strategy employed by the Ugandan Ministry of Health and the UNHCR during the October 5-11 window. Staff used this record of zero infections to prioritize the maintenance of herd immunity among the residents. By focusing on preventative measures, the health officials aimed to protect the long-term health of the children aged 9 months to 5 years.
