Health Minister Aceng urges vigilance amid Mpox outbreak in Uganda

2 September 2024, 12:43 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

After confirming two Mpox cases in Kasese district on July 24, 2024, the number of confirmed cases in Uganda had risen to five as of August 22, 2024. These cases include two in Kasese district, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one in Mayuge district in Eastern Uganda, one in Amuru district, where the patient lives in Elegu Town, close to the South Sudan border, and one in Kampala, the nation’s capital.

Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Uganda’s Minister of Health, has called for public vigilance in response to the outbreak. She advises the public to avoid intimate contact with individuals whose health status is not well known, refrain from shaking hands, and steer clear of crowded places. “Our priority is to contain the virus and prevent its spread,” Dr. Aceng said. “We are closely monitoring the situation and working tirelessly to address this outbreak.”

Dr. Aceng also emphasised the importance of practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, and adhering to preventive measures such as ABC (Abstain, Be faithful, and use Condoms) to reduce the risk of transmission.

The Ministry of Health has implemented preventive measures to curb the virus’s spread, including sharing accurate information with the media to avoid misinformation and disinformation. Emmanuel Ainebyoona, head of public relations, has been actively involved in disseminating information and educating the public about Mpox.

A recent media briefing via Zoom, led by Dr. Kyobe Bossa, the outbreak incident commander at the Ministry of Health, provided critical updates and guidance on managing the situation. Dr. Bossa underscored the importance of public cooperation in controlling the outbreak. “Early detection and prompt action are crucial,” Dr. Bossa noted. “We encourage everyone to follow preventive measures and report any symptoms immediately.” He furthered noted that the virus is much severe to children under the age of 16

Mpox was recently declared a global health concern by the World Health Organisation and has been reported in several East African countries, including the DRC and Burundi, where it has claimed lives and caused severe illness.