UGANDA—The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has pledged 2,000 doses of the Mpox vaccine to Uganda to curb the spread of the viral disease.

The Ugandan Minister of Health, Jane Ruth Aceng, made the announcement and confirmed that the vaccines are expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

These doses will be enough to vaccinate up to 1,000 individuals, as each person requires two doses for full protection.

The Minister further explained that the Ugandan government is actively collaborating with development partners to secure additional vaccine doses.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that the country has sufficient resources to manage the outbreak.

Moreover, Aceng highlighted that the Ministry of Health is developing strategies for the equitable distribution and delivery of the vaccines, which will be guided by the epidemiology and severity of the disease in various regions.

As of August 2024, Uganda had confirmed 10 cases of Mpox across different regions, including the northern, eastern, central, and western parts of the country, as well as Kampala, the capital.

In addition to the confirmed cases, health authorities are monitoring 49 individuals who have been identified as close contacts of the infected.

Fortunately, four of the infected individuals have recovered, while six others are still receiving treatment, according to a report from the Ghana News Agency.

The outbreak of Mpox in Uganda has raised concerns, as the World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the disease a public health emergency of international concern in August.

This declaration highlights the potential for further global transmission and emphasises the need for coordinated international efforts to contain the virus.

Mpox, also referred to as monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, which spreads primarily through close contact with an infected person.

Common symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, sore throat, skin rash, and back pain.

Although the disease can be severe, early detection and vaccination efforts are critical in preventing widespread transmission.

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