WHO boosts Uganda’s Mpox fight with kit donation

UGANDA —The World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda has contributed sample collection kits valued at Shs56 million (US$15,130.39) to the Ministry of Health, significantly boosting the country’s ongoing efforts to combat the Mpox outbreak.

This donation complements the recent support from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), which provided Uganda with 2,000 doses of the Mpox vaccine.

This joint effort is part of a wider initiative aimed at equipping Uganda with sufficient resources to manage the spread of Mpox.

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

The new kits provided by WHO are expected to significantly improve the country’s diagnostic capabilities, especially in high-risk areas where sporadic cases of Mpox have continued to emerge.

The Nile Post reports that the WHO donation was handed over to senior Ministry of Health officials, including Dr. Charles Olaro, Dr. Henry Kyobe, the Incident Commander, and Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, the Director of Public Health.

This gesture highlights WHO’s ongoing support in enhancing Uganda’s capacity to detect and respond to infectious diseases.

The kits will be distributed nationwide across health facilities, allowing for the rapid identification, isolation, and treatment of new Mpox cases, particularly in districts with the highest threat.

Uganda has confirmed 22 cases of Mpox so far, and investigations into other suspected cases are currently underway.

The provision of these kits is timely, as Uganda continues to grapple with several public health challenges. In addition to Mpox, the country is still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which strained its healthcare system. The support from international bodies like WHO remains essential in ensuring Uganda’s health sector can respond effectively to current and future public health emergencies.

In parallel with these efforts, the Ministry of Health is ramping up public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on Mpox prevention.

These campaigns emphasize the importance of hygiene practices and encourage people to report any suspected cases to health authorities.

This comprehensive effort, backed by grants such as the recent WHO donation, aims to reduce Mpox spread and protect Ugandans’ health.

As part of its broader health agenda, WHO continues to play a pivotal role in boosting Uganda’s ability to combat infectious diseases with international support and local engagement.

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