The Ministry of Health (MOH), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and UNICEF Uganda have launched a community sensitisation campaign targeting children to combat the spread of Mpox. The risk communication activations were conducted on Sunday across the five divisions of Kampala and Entebbe Municipality.
The initiative involved engagements in several churches, including St. Andrew’s Church of Uganda in Bukoto (Nakawa Division), All Saints Church in Buddo, St. Stephen’s Church in Nansana (Kawempe Division), St. Luke’s Church Kibuye, and St. Stephen’s Church Lukuli (Makindye Division). Other churches included Trinity Church Meng, Appointed Harvesters Church, New Jerusalem Restoration Church (Central Division), St. Thomas Kira Church of Uganda, St. Peter’s Nsasa (Kira Division), and Deliverance Church Kigungu in Entebbe.
According to a recent Mpox situation report, by December 2024, Uganda had recorded 494 confirmed cases and four deaths across 52 districts. The Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area accounts for 64% of the reported cases.
Mpox, primarily a zoonotic disease, is transmitted from wild animals like squirrels, rats, mice, and monkeys to humans. Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact, including physical interactions such as shaking hands, sexual contact, sharing clothes or beddings, and exposure to contaminated materials or infected animals.
Symptoms of Mpox include skin rashes, sore throat, fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and general body weakness. The disease can be fatal, with a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 0.26%. Diagnosis requires laboratory testing, as the symptoms closely resemble those of measles, chickenpox, or scabies.
Preventive measures highlighted during the campaign include regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, refraining from sharing personal items such as clothes and utensils, and steering clear of wild animals. A vaccine is also available for individuals who have had contact with confirmed cases.
“The Mpox virus is spreading fast within communities. People should take precautions by adhering to preventive measures,” said Moses Muhimbise, head of the Central Division Health Team.
Reverend Achipa Patricia Laki, Assistant Vicar of St. Andrew’s Church in Bukoto, urged congregants and all Ugandans to stay vigilant. “The Mpox virus is real and dangerous. We must protect ourselves and our communities,” she said.
The sensitisation efforts by MOH, KCCA, and UNICEF will continue under the ‘Safe Circles’ campaign, which emphasises small actions to create lasting protection against the virus.
