Health officials warn of Mpox spread as awareness efforts intensify
Village Health Teams conduct risk communication on Mpox at Trinity Church Mengo -Children’s church on December 15, 2024. Photo/COURTESY
What you need to know:
According to the latest Situation Report on Mpox (dated December 1, 2024), Uganda has recorded 494 confirmed cases and four deaths across 52 districts, with the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area accounting for 64% of all cases
The Ministry of Health (MOH), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and UNICEF Uganda have ramped up their efforts to curb the spread of the Mpox virus by conducting targeted risk communication campaigns across Kampala's five divisions and Entebbe municipality. These activations, part of an ongoing community sensitization drive, focused on engaging children and other community members in places of worship to spread awareness about the disease.
The awareness sessions took place in churches across various divisions, including St. Andrew’s Church of Uganda Bukoto (Nakawa Division), All Saints Church in Buddo, St. Stephen’s Church (Nansana Division), Bwaise Pentecostal Church (Kawempe Division), St. Luke’s Church Kibuye, St. Stephen’s Church Lukuli (Makindye Division), Trinity Church Meng, Appointed Harvesters Church, New Jerusalem Restoration Church (Central Division), St. Thomas Kira Church of Uganda, St. Peter’s Nsasa (Kira Division), and Deliverance Church Kigungu in Entebbe municipality.
According to the latest Situation Report on Mpox (dated December 1, 2024), Uganda has recorded 494 confirmed cases and four deaths across 52 districts, with the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area accounting for 64% of all cases.
Mpox is a zoonotic disease that originates from wild animals such as squirrels, rats, mice, and monkeys. It spreads to humans through close contact, sharing personal items like clothing and beddings, shaking hands, sexual contact, or through contact with infected animals. Symptoms include skin rashes, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and general weakness.
"The Mpox disease is spreading with a Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) of 0.26% and can only be diagnosed through laboratory testing, as its symptoms mimic other conditions like measles, chickenpox, and scabies," said Muhimbise Moses, a member of the Central Division Health Team at KCCA. "To protect oneself, regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, not sharing personal items, and steering clear of wild animals are key. Vaccination is also recommended for those exposed to the virus," he added.
Reverend Achipa Patricia Laki, Assistant Vicar of St. Andrew’s Church of Uganda Bukoto, emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging congregants and Ugandans at large to take preventive measures. "Mpox is real and dangerous, and it is spreading fast within our communities. Let’s take precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones," she said.
The campaign, operating under the 'Safe Circles' initiative, encourages communities to "stay protected by not letting Mpox into their circles," with the belief that small preventive actions can create lasting protection. The Ministry of Health, KCCA, and UNICEF plan to extend these efforts across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area to reinforce public awareness and reduce transmission rates.
Efforts to control Mpox are part of a broader public health initiative, reflecting the commitment of all partners to ensuring the safety and health of Uganda’s population.
