In April, Uganda underwent the second phase of a vaccination campaign against yellow fever disease that is spread through a bite from an infected Aedes mosquito, informally known as the “tiger” mosquito because of its black and white markings.

At six months, my mother noticed a peculiar swelling on the lower part of my tiny back. It quickly grew into a huge sac and prompted a rush to the hospital. Following tests, the doctor determined I had spina bifida, a birth defect in which the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly.  The National Institutes of Health reports up to 10 of every 1,000 babies have it. An estimated 1,400 children are born with spina bifida annually in Uganda.

“No mother or child should die or be harmed due to preventable childbirth-related complications: a role of multidisciplinary professionals.” 

The woman also had an open ulcer. Although this was Nantambi’s first time working in a hospital, she did her best to help the woman. By evening, the patient’s condition had improved. 

Peptic ulcers, once primarily associated with the elderly, have become increasingly prevalent among university students, particularly at Uganda Christian University (UCU). 

Uganda Christian University (UCU) is now offering yellow fever vaccinations as part of the Government Ministry of Health initiative.