Several schools in the west Nile region may not open for the new school year term following an outbreak of meningitis in the region.
The authorities in the region are debating on whether or not schools should be allowed to open as meningitis spreads to several areas.
More than 250 cases have been reported in the region with Arua having the highest number of victims.
In Adjumani district, Sister Alice Vuciri, the district health officer says that containing the spread of meningitis has become a challenging task. She says that plans are underway to impose a ban on public gatherings and that schools may not open for first term if the epidemic persists.
In Moyo, the health authorities there want the district to reconstitute the epidemic preparedness committee and an action plan intended to update and procure supplies, update staff skills in management of cases and strengthen surveillance.
The cumulative number of meningitis cases in Moyo district has risen to 18, with no death case so far reported.
Doctor Jimmy Opigo, the assistant district health officer, said four people have been discharged and 15 are still admitted at Dufile health centre in Laropi Sub County.
Moyo sub health district has been advised to move staff from Arra health centre to beef up the workforce at Dufile health centre and plans are under way to shift the staff from Panzala if the situation worsens.
Last year, all schools in the west Nile region remained closed for close to two months due to an out break of meningitis.
The closure of schools was partly to blame for the poor results in the recently released PLE results.
