Mpox Outbreak in Uganda: 51 Cases Reported as Health Authorities Strengthen Response

Uganda is grappling with a growing mpox outbreak, following the confirmation of two cases in the western Kasese district in July 2024. Since then, the outbreak has spread to 11 districts, with 51 confirmed cases reported as of October 2, 2024. Of these, 24 patients have recovered.

The Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, has launched a comprehensive response plan to curb the spread of the virus. Key measures include enhanced disease surveillance, active case finding, testing, clinical care, and community engagement to promote protective health practices.

WHO has played a crucial role in bolstering Uganda’s response by improving health worker capacity, reinforcing laboratory systems, and introducing electronic surveillance systems for data collection and contact tracing in five districts. These digital tools have been vital in tracking the spread of the virus and improving response times.

The Ministry of Health’s efforts are supported by resources such as sample collection kits donated by WHO, funded by the Federal Republic of Germany. Over 800 samples have been tested so far, with the kits proving essential in diagnosing cases and enabling timely treatment.

Public awareness campaigns are also in full swing, with WHO and partners distributing over 226,000 posters and 280,000 flyers in multiple languages to raise awareness about mpox prevention. In Mayuge district, sensitization efforts have reached 142 schools and 28 places of worship, emphasizing prevention and combating stigma.

Mpox survivor Godwin Asimwe, who initially mistook his symptoms for malaria, recalls the fear he felt upon diagnosis. Now fully recovered, Asimwe stresses the importance of hygiene and early medical attention. Similarly, 24-year-old Esther Kisakye, another survivor, faced stigma during her recovery but expressed gratitude for the follow-up support from health teams.

As of early October, 263 contacts have been listed in the GoData system, which has significantly improved contact tracing efforts compared to previous manual methods. WHO continues to support district task forces as part of an ongoing commitment to help Uganda navigate this crisis and build a more resilient health system.

“As WHO, we remain fully committed to supporting Uganda through this crisis and ensuring the health system is equipped to handle future public health threats,” said Dr. Charles Njuguna, Acting WHO Representative in Uganda.