Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng launched the National Medical Stores pilot program for last-mile distribution, aimed at ensuring vaccines reach all government health facilities. She also flagged off 28 refrigerated vehicles to support vaccine distribution in the Busoga region as part of the pilot phase.

In Uganda, the distribution of vaccines from district stores to last-mile health facilities has faced significant challenges, often resulting in poor vaccine management, stock-outs, and missed vaccination opportunities.

To address this gap, Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng today launched the National Medical Stores pilot program for last-mile vaccine distribution, aimed at ensuring vaccines reach all government health facilities.

The pilot will be implemented in the Busoga region, where 28 refrigerated vehicles procured by the Government of Uganda with support from development partners were flagged off by the minister to facilitate the rollout.

In her speech, Minister Aceng stated that the last-mile vaccine distribution aims to ensure the timely and direct delivery of vaccines to government health facilities.

The minister acknowledged that the last-mile distribution may face some challenges but assured the public that these will be effectively managed, particularly issues related to maintaining the cold chain.

Medard Bitekyerezo, chairman of the National Drug Authority Board, speaking on behalf of the National Medical Stores Board, stated that with the launch of the last-mile distribution pilot and the deployment of new vehicles, no Ugandan child should remain unvaccinated.

Some district leaders in the Busoga region highlighted the challenges they have been facing in ensuring that vaccines reach grassroots health facilities.