Health 26 July 2026 Nile Post
Adjumani Faces Deaths Amid Critically Low Anti-Rabies Vaccine Stock
Adjumani District is experiencing a public health crisis as at least four people, predominantly children, have reportedly died from suspected rabies. The deaths are occurring against a backdrop of a severe and prolonged shortage of anti-rabies vaccines in government health facilities. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/359391/four-reported-dead-as-adjumani-grapples-with-anti-rabies-vaccine-shortage
Residents of Adjumani District are living in fear following reports of at least four deaths, primarily among children, attributed to suspected rabies. These tragic incidents stem from dog bites and are exacerbated by a critical and ongoing shortage of anti-rabies vaccines at local government health centers.
The affected areas include Arinyapi, Leanguru, Nyabila, and Itirikwa sub-counties. Families are struggling to cope, as the cost of treatment at private clinics is prohibitive for many. Recent incidents include the deaths of two children in Aliwara and neighboring Leanguru villages, intensifying community anxiety.
Local leaders have highlighted the growing problem of stray dog attacks. Charles Edema Drabe, LC I Chairperson of Aliwara Village, noted a recent incident where a stray dog attacked seven people, who were fortunately treated and recovered. However, he expressed heartbreak over the loss of children due to the vaccine shortage, calling for urgent government intervention.
Caesar Ingavure, a resident who lost his son to suspected rabies last year, emphasized that his son might have been saved if the vaccine had been available. The Adjumani Resident District Commissioner, Swaib Toko, acknowledged the reports and has submitted a formal request to relevant authorities regarding the vaccine shortage, expressing hope that an upcoming medicine consignment will include these vital supplies.
District officials have been conducting awareness campaigns, including addressing congregations at local churches to educate the public on the dangers of stray dogs and the importance of immediate medical attention after a bite. The district has reportedly gone nearly two years without receiving government supplies of anti-rabies vaccines, according to the District Production Officer, Godfrey Mamawi Ambayo. Authorities are considering purchasing vaccines from the open market and have culled approximately 70 stray dogs in an effort to mitigate the problem.
The LC V Chairperson has pledged to escalate the issue to the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to ensure vaccine availability and implement measures for stray dog control. Health experts continue to stress the importance of immediate wound washing and seeking prompt medical care for anyone bitten by a dog.
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