Uganda Enhances Border Surveillance to Prevent Mpox Spread

Uganda Enhances Border Surveillance to Prevent Mpox Spread

In response to the rising threat of mpox, Uganda has bolstered its surveillance efforts along its border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The DRC, a hotspot for the virus, has prompted Uganda to take preventive measures to stop the disease from entering the country.

Currently, Uganda reports no active cases of mpox. The Ministry of Health confirmed that two imported cases from late July have been successfully treated and resolved. In light of the situation, the ministry has identified over 20 districts near the DRC border as high-risk areas for potential mpox transmission.

To strengthen its response, Uganda has launched a nationwide training program for health workers. This initiative aims to improve the detection and isolation of suspected cases. Emmanuel Ainebyoona, a senior public relations officer at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the increased risk communication and the readiness of laboratory systems to quickly identify and test potential cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently classified mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, as a public health emergency of international concern. This designation underscores the global threat posed by the virus. In response, Uganda is coordinating with the WHO to secure vaccines and enhance its preparedness and response strategies.

Ainebyoona highlighted Uganda’s track record in handling emerging health crises, referencing past successes in managing Ebola and Marburg outbreaks. He expressed confidence in the country’s ability to effectively manage and contain mpox.

The WHO has reported that the ongoing mpox outbreak, which is spreading from the DRC, is aggravated by a new, more lethal variant known as Clade 1b. This variant has a mortality rate of approximately 3.6 percent, higher than previous strains. The African Union’s health agency also noted a significant increase in new mpox cases in 2024, marking a 160 percent rise compared to the same period in 2023.

Source: Africa News