The Ugandan Health Ministry has announced that the meningitis outbreak in the northeastern region of Karamoja is now under control, saying that normal activities such political campaigns can resume.

Dr. Sam Okware, director of health services from the ministry was quoted by the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation as saying on Sunday that normal activities such as opening of schools and general elections campaigns can now start.

The ministry has send a combined team including officials from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund to the outbreak areas in Nabilatuk and Namalu sub-counties in Nakapiripirit district since January this year. People in the affected areas were immunized.

Okware appealed to the people in Karamoja to allow Kenyans also be immunized so that meningitis is eradicated throughout the region.

He also appealed to the Karimojong people to practice preventive methods such as leaving in good-dwelling, avoiding overcrowding, washing hands and rushing to a nearby health center if feeling ill.

Ugandan officials have recorded more than 300 cases of meningitis in Karamoja -- made up of the districts of Kotido, Moroto and Nakapiripirit -- since the beginning of the year.

"A total of 288 cases have been recorded in Nakapiripirit district, with 20 deaths, while 42 have been recorded in neighboring Moroto district, with three deaths," Okware was quoted by the United Nations Information as saying on February 8.

Source: Xinhua