• E Mupere, P Onek, and H M Babikako.
• Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
• East Afr Med J. 2005 Aug 1; 82 (8): 403-8.

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of supplemental mass measles immunisations.DesignRetrospective study of hospital and health centre records.SettingGulu district, Northern Uganda, having approximately 81% of the population living in internally displaced persons' (IDPs) camps.ResultsThe mean age in months for 4,812 measles cases seen was 28.2 +/- 46.0 (p < 0.0001). Supplemental mass immunisations in 1997 and 2000 caused a 91% reduction of measles cases, 93% reduction of mortality, 91% reduction of bed-days and 79% reduction of outpatient cases. There was a 67% reduction in mean measles case admissions, 63% reduction in mean measles mortality, and 73% reduction in mean measles bed-days following district mass measles immunisations in 1997. However, following IDPs camps supplemental immunisations in 2000; there was 82% reduction of mean measles case admissions, 80% reduction of mean measles mortality and 88% reduction of mean measles bed-days.ConclusionsIn similar situations, supplemental mass measles immunisations should be focused on IDPs camps with a wide age group in addition to improved routine immunization activities in the entire district.

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