Kisoro Health Officials Raise Alarm over Rising Tuberculosis Cases, Warn Against Vaccine Misinformation

Health authorities in Kisoro District have raised concern over an increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases, with more than 20 people testing positive during ongoing community screenings across several parishes.

The District Health Educator, Mubangizi Valentine, revealed the development while speaking to the media, urging residents to actively participate in immunization programs and other public health initiatives to curb the spread of communicable diseases.

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He emphasized the importance of routine TB testing, especially among adults, encouraging those who test positive to seek timely treatment to prevent further transmission.

Meanwhile, district authorities have issued a stern warning to religious leaders and parents who discourage childhood immunization, saying they risk arrest.

The Resident District Commissioner, Hajji Badru Sebyara, said investigations by security and health teams had uncovered cases where some religious leaders were preventing their followers from immunizing children based on doctrinal beliefs.

He described the practice as dangerous, misleading, and unlawful.

Sebyara warned that anyone found obstructing immunization efforts or spreading misinformation would face immediate arrest, stressing that the government will not tolerate actions that endanger children’s lives.

He called on all parents to ensure their children are vaccinated, noting that immunization remains one of the most effective ways to protect against life-threatening diseases.

The Assistant District Health Officer in charge of immunization, Anet Dusabe, echoed the RDC’s concerns, urging parents to comply with vaccination schedules.

She highlighted that vaccines play a critical role in preventing diseases such as polio and other childhood illnesses.

Dusabe also condemned the spread of misinformation, describing it as harmful and illegal, and appealed to communities to prioritize children’s health by embracing immunization services.

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