Residents of Ajuku village, Pakwelo parish in Unyama Sub County, Gulu district are demanding that government should immediately embark on mass vaccination against Hepatitis B after two people from the area reportedly died from the disease.
The latest victim was Mr Wilson Okello, a 60-year-old man who was buried on Thursday last week after he passed on under unclear circumstances.
Another resident only identified as Opiyo also died two weeks before raising fear that he might have caught the infection from the nearby stream which serves as the only water source for the inhabitants.
Mr Robin Obali, 40, says there is fear that those who died were infected with the virus.
Obali says, “After the deaths, they are no longer drinking from Longo Stream which empties its waters into Unyama River for fear of catching the viral infection.”
Around 86 households are now forced to walk 3KM in search of clean water.
Unyama River lies just 10 kilometers north- east of Gulu town, along Gulu – Kitgum road.
After the displaced communities returned home following the cessation of hostilities, the stream had served as a source of safe drinking water and other domestic use but not anymore.
Ms Jennifer Ojok, a member of Ajuku Village Health Team (VHT) says though the disease is non communicable, there are widespread fears among the residents following the death of the two men.
Ojok noted that, “No one seems to believe that the virus is not water borne but sexually transmitted.”
Last Friday, they petitioned Gulu District Local Council to compel the government to vaccinate residents so that no more life is lost to the infection.
Mr Douglas Peter Okello, Gulu District Speaker who received the petition on behalf of the district promised to refer the matter to the Ministry of Health headquarters in Kampala so that the concern of the locals is addressed.
Gulu District Health officials blamed the problem on the general lack of information on the disease’s mode of transmission.
Statistics obtained from the district health department indicates that Bardege division in Gulu municipality is leading with over 5,460 people tested positive of Hepatitis B.
Bardege is followed by Laroo Division with 4, 450 and Pece Division with 1, 026 cases
Mr Celestino Ojok, the District Health Educator notes that Hepatitis B infection is on the increase in the district and majority of the people are living unaware about their status because getting tested is expensive.
But the District Chairman, Mr Ojara Martin Mapenduzi last week called on locals to take their lives seriously and get vaccinated.
He said the amount of money they will part with to get vaccinated cannot be compared with their lives.
“You will pay Shs35, 000 for the first injection then wait for another three months to get the second one and later six months for the last injection,” He said.
Ministry of Health reports show that, Hepatitis B prevalence in Gulu stands at 20 percent.
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Mass vaccination? Are you aware that it is through mass vaccination that more diseases are spread? Read Bill Gates and Bilinda’s population reduction programme. Gwero dano pe kitye ka gwero yat ento kagwero two. Myero nongo ka twere daktari ma pacu gunen yo ango me jwikko two labongo jengnge i kom miri ma mito mayo ngom pa lwak. Yubgi tye me jwikko well dano aye.