Teachers trained on Mpox virus ahead of school term to boost safety measures

Dr Nabunya Kulthum (in veil) Officer Education Services KCCA poses with the teachers after an Mpox training in Kampala by KCCA, MoH and UNICEF. Photo/COURTESY
What you need to know:
The training aimed to equip teachers with knowledge to curb the spread of Mpox among learners and ensure schools are safe environments
Over 100 teachers from Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary schools within the Kampala Metropolitan Area have been sensitized on the Mpox virus through the "Safe Circles" campaign. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health (MOH), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and UNICEF Uganda, comes ahead of the opening of Term I on February 3, 2025.
The training aimed to equip teachers with knowledge to curb the spread of Mpox among learners and ensure schools are safe environments. Teachers were urged to establish handwashing points, use soap and sanitizers, and empower learners to identify Mpox symptoms such as skin rashes, sore throat, fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and general body weakness. Schools were also tasked with forming surveillance teams to enforce Mpox control measures.
Speaking during the training, Mukwana Erico, KCCA Central Division Health Educator, explained the origins and transmission of Mpox. “Mpox originates from wild animals such as squirrels, rats, and monkeys but is now spreading from person to person through close contact, sharing clothes and beddings, shaking hands, sexual contact, and contact with infected animals. Pregnant women, children under five, and people with underlying health conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk,” he noted.

Over 100 teachers undergoing a one-day training by MoH, KCCA and UNICEF on curbing Mpox spread ahead of the new term school's opening on February 3. Photo/COURTESY
Since its emergence in August 2024, Mpox cases in Kampala have surged, with 920 cumulative cases and seven new infections reported as of January 20, 2025. Research by "Solutions 4 People" for UNICEF Uganda revealed that one infected person in Kampala could spread the virus to up to six others, with sexual intercourse identified as the leading cause of transmission in low-income areas such as Mengo, Kisenyi, and Katwe.
Teachers were advised on protective measures, including regular handwashing, avoiding close contact, refraining from sharing personal items like clothes and utensils, and steering clear of wild animals. Vaccines were also highlighted as crucial for those exposed to infected persons.
Onyak James, Head Teacher at Bat Valley Primary School, praised the initiative, saying, “This training has empowered us as teachers, and we are now better equipped to educate our learners about Mpox.”
Dr Nabunya Kulthum Muzaata, Officer for Education Services at KCCA, stressed the importance of involving both public and private schools in the training to prevent closures similar to those experienced during COVID-19.
The "Safe Circles" campaign has been instrumental in educating high-risk communities, including market vendors, boda-boda riders, and sex workers, about Mpox prevention. Mulwana Erico concluded by reiterating the campaign's goal: “By staying vigilant and taking small protective actions, we can ensure lasting protection for our communities and prevent Mpox from infiltrating our safe circles.”
The campaign will continue reaching more communities as efforts to curb Mpox intensify.