Two Children Die of Suspected Rabies as Adjumani Faces Vaccine Shortage

What the report says

Nile Post reports that two children in Adjumani District are believed to have died from rabies infections after dog bites, amid complaints that public health facilities have lacked anti-rabies vaccines for an extended period. The reported deaths occurred in Aliwara Village in Itirikwa Sub-county and nearby Leanguru Village in Pakele Sub-county, according to local leaders cited by the outlet.

Charles Edema Drabe, the LC I chairperson of Aliwara Village, said stray dog attacks have become more frequent, including a recent incident in which seven people were bitten and later recovered after receiving treatment. Residents told Nile Post that the two children were taken to government facilities after being bitten, but vaccines were not available, while private options were costly and hard to access. Another resident, Caesar Ingavure, said he lost a son last year to suspected rabies and urged the Ministry of Health to maintain supplies in the district.

Adjumani Resident District Commissioner Swaib Toko said he had reported community concerns about dog bites and vaccine shortages to higher authorities, and advised bite victims to seek care quickly, including at other public facilities if one has no vaccine. The district health officer attributed the shortage to rising demand and inadequate supply, and called for stronger control of stray dogs.

District Production Officer Godfrey Mamawi Ambayo said Adjumani had not received government anti-rabies vaccine stocks for nearly two years, after previously getting quarterly deliveries. He said the district is sensitising communities, targeting hotspots, has killed about 70 stray dogs, and is considering buying vaccines to resume dog vaccination. LC5 Chairperson John Anyanzo Ambayo pledged to engage the Health Ministry and other stakeholders. Rabies is a preventable but usually fatal disease once symptoms begin, making timely post-exposure treatment critical.