The Ministry of Health, KCCA and UNICEF have intensified community sensitization against Mpox by targeting bus and taxi drivers as well as boda boda riders in Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
During a risk communication campaign dubbed ‘safe circles’ the three partners told these three groups of people to stay protected by not letting Mpox into their circles .
Dr. Robert Oketcho, a Health Officer at UNICEF said that currently, Uganda has registered 1,088 cases and six deaths to date, with greater Kampala Metropolitan Area accounting for most of the cases (64%).
Bakyayita Tabule Abasajjatebadiba, a Social Behaviour Change Officer at the Ministry of Health said asked drivers and riders to protect themselves from Mpox.
“Mpox is a disease found in wild animals such as squirrels, rats, mice and monkeys that have now spread the virus to people, who are currently spreading it from person to person through close body contact, sharing clothes and beddings, shaking hands, sex, contact with infected persons or animals among others. Pregnant mothers and children below the age of 5years are at higher risk,” he said.
Dr. Richard Walyomo , the incident commander for Mpox who is also the Central Division Medical Officer at the Kampala Capital City Authority, said Kampala has registered 468 cumulative cases, adding that among the six deaths around the country, two are from Kampala.
“Currently, sexual intercourse is the leading cause of the spread of Mpox within Kampala mainly stemming from low-income areas such as Central division in Mengo, Kisenyi and Kamwokya), Makindye Division in Katwe, Kibuye and Kabalagala and Kawempe Division in Bwaise 2 and Bwaise 3. Condoms are not protecting people from Mpox because it spreads through body contact as well. Mpox is spreading through sexual workers, road-side food vendors, video hall cinemas, bodaboda, taxi and bus drivers.”
Bakyayita Tabule elaborated that Mpox displays various signs and symptoms such as skin rashes, sore throat, fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes and general body weakness.
“ Anyone can get Mpox because it is spread through contact with infected persons, infected materials such as bedsheets and clothes, infected pregnant mothers who may pass it on to their unborn baby, inhaling contaminated particles or viruses and contact with infected animals.”
He cautioned the bus, taxi and boda-boda drivers/riders against reckless behaviours, urging them on washing hands using soap and avoiding sexual intercourse with untrusted partners.
Tabule further emphasized that one can protect themselves from Mpox through hand washing, avoiding close contact with people, not touching or sharing personal items such as beddings, utensils and clothes and avoiding contact with or eating wild animals (alive/dead) and also accessing a vaccine for those people who have come into close contact with infected persons.
“In case one is infected, they can heal within 2 weeks if dedicated early and treated,” he said.
Five associations committed to use their networks to accelerate Mpox sensitization amongst their colleagues in KMA and Wakiso including KACITA, Uganda Bus Drivers and Allied Association, Kampala boda Boda leadership, Women in Transport and Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOFU).
Tabule noted that Mpox risk communication within communities will continue all throughout the festive season.
