UPDATE: March 20, 2009 - Since the meningitis outbreak two months ago, the Ugandan government and the World Health Organization have conducted area wide vaccinations of communities affected by the virus.

No new cases have been reported and the ban on community meetings has been lifted.

Staff at Compassion-assisted child development centers are being trained on how to protect themselves and their children.

The four child development centers that were temporarily closed have reopened and resumed regular activities.

Please pray for continued protection and health for the children and their families. Also pray for wisdom for the staff as they are being trained.

Compassion Uganda will keep us updated as more information is available.

Compassion International will contact you if your sponsored child has been affected.

UPDATE: Jan. 27, 2009 - New cases of meningitis continue to be reported in the Arua District of Uganda.

The Ugandan Ministry of Health is training personnel to administer vaccines to a targeted group of the most vulnerable people.

Dr. Yona, Health Specialist for Compassion Uganda, met with the Ministry of Health to discuss how Compassion staff in Uganda will be ready to address additional needs.

The four child development centers in the affected region remain temporarily closed.

Currently, no Compassion-assisted children have contracted meningitis.

Jan. 26, 2009 - There has been a meningitis outbreak in four sub-counties of the Arua District of Uganda.

So far, more than 150 reported meningitis cases have led to nearly 20 deaths.

The government of Uganda has banned all public gatherings indefinitely until the disease is brought under control.

Compassion has four child development centers in the affected region that have temporarily suspended activities:

• UG-541
• UG-542
• UG-906
• UG-907

At this time no Compassion-assisted children have contracted meningitis, although many live in the affected area and are susceptible.

Compassion Uganda staff are working with the World Health Organization to vaccinate those living in the area of the outbreak.