“Ministry of Health Responds to Mpox Outbreak in Greater Kampala: Urges Action to Prevent Further Spread”

The Ministry of Health has reported significant updates on the ongoing mpox outbreak, which has tragically claimed 10 lives and affected 1,712 individuals since July 2024. The Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, particularly the neighborhoods of Bwaise and Kawaala, has been hit hardest by the virus, prompting urgent interventions from local health authorities.

In response to the rapid spread of mpox, officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) have issued a strong recommendation for sex workers to temporarily suspend their activities. Dr. Sarah Zalwango, a key health official, recently visited Kimombasa Zone in Bwaise to engage directly with sex workers and raise awareness about the increasing risks associated with the virus.

Health experts have pointed out that certain high-risk groups, including commercial sex workers, bar workers, and boda boda riders, are particularly vulnerable. These individuals are often exposed to close-contact situations and may have limited access to healthcare, which delays diagnosis and treatment. As a result, the virus continues to spread within these communities.

Speaking at a press conference, Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng urged the public to remain vigilant and adopt preventive practices, such as avoiding close contact with infected individuals and seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms appear.

In addition to these recommendations, the Ministry of Health has launched a series of comprehensive measures to combat the outbreak. These include:

• Public Awareness Campaigns to educate the population about mpox symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
• Training for Healthcare Workers to enhance their ability to diagnose and treat mpox effectively.
• Enhanced Surveillance to track the spread of the disease and identify new cases early.

Dr. Aceng also expressed cautious optimism, noting that the virus has not yet spread to other districts, including Adjumani, where no new cases have been reported in over three months. This gives hope that the outbreak may still be contained with continued vigilance and rapid action.

The Ministry of Health remains committed to managing the situation and ensuring that timely interventions are in place to protect the public from further harm.