The Africa center for Disease Control is set to deliver 2000 Monkey pox vaccines to Uganda, a timely boost as the country grapples with a rising number of cases.
According to Health Minister Dr. Ruth Aceng, Uganda has so far reported 10 confirmed cases of monkey pox, with 4 patients having made a full recovery. The vaccine is expected to enhance the country’s effort to contain the outbreak, which has spread concern among health authorities.
“I want to assure the public that the ministry is working closely with partners to ensure effective management of the situation, including contact tracing, surveillance, and public awareness campaigns”. Dr. Ruth said.
In May 2022, a mysterious outbreak of Mpox, a rare viral disease, sparked global concern; the World Health Organization (WHO) reported cases in several countries, marking the beginning of a worldwide health crisis, and continues to this day.
Mpox is an infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain and low energy. It is caused by monkey pox virus. It is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus of Orthopoxvirus genus in the poxviridae family, which includes variola, cowpox, vaccine and other viruses.
Mpox spreads from person to person mainly through close contact with someone who has mpox, including members of a household. Close contact includes skin-to-skin (such as kissing), and it can also include being face-to-face with someone who has mpox (such as talking or breathing close to one another, which can generate infectious respiratory particles). It can also spread from infected humans and to animals and from infected animals to humans.
Statistics by World Health Organization (WHO):
- Over 15,600 cases were reported globally (as of August 2024),
- 23 countries were affected across four regions: Africa, America, Europe and Asia.
- Case fatality rate: approximately 3.6 % (compared to 10% in previous outbreaks).
- 537 deaths globally.
Origin and spread:
Mpox originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, with cases increasing steadily over the period. The current outbreak is believed to have started in Nigeria in 2021, spreading rapidly to other countries through human-to-human contact, primarily among men who have sex with men. Countries neighboring the DRC that have not reported Mpox include Burundi, Rwanda and Kenya.
Uganda reported new cases in August 2024.
Countries most affected:
- DRC: With Over 15,000 cases have been reported 2022.
- Nigeria: with over 39 cases as of this year
Uganda has been at the forefront of of Mpox outbreak since November 2022, when the first cases were reported in Western region of Kasese, Kabarole, and Bundibugyo.
Government Response:
The Ugandan Government has taken proactive measures to contain the outbreak.
- Surveillance and Contact Tracing:
- The ministry has enhanced surveillance and contact tracing efforts to identify and monitor individuals who have come into contact with infected persons.
- Vaccination Campaign:
- The ministry is running targeted vaccination programs, primarily among high-risk groups, including healthcare workers, sex workers, and men who have sex with men.
- Public Awareness:
- The ministry is conducting nationwide campaigns to educate citizens on Mpox symptoms, transmission, and prevention.
- Healthcare Capacity Building:
- The Ministry is training and equipping healthcare workers, to manage Mpox cases effectively.
- Collaboration with International Partners:
- Government is working closely with WHO, DCD, and other global health partners to access technical assistance, funding and resources.
Vaccine for mpox:
JYNNEOS is a two-doze vaccine developed to protect against Mpox and smallpox. It can be administered to adults or to patients below 18 years of age (but it is not part of the regular vaccine scheduled for children). People need to get both doses of vaccine for the best protection against Mpox, if they have become exposed. The second doze should be given four weeks after the first doze. For patients below six months of age, Vaccine Immune Globulin Intravenous (VIGIV) is an option according to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC).
As Uganda continues to battle the outbreak, the government’s swift response and collaboration with International Partners offers hope for containment. However, Sustained efforts are crucial to prevent further spread and protect the country’s population.
The arrival of the vaccines is a welcome development in Uganda’s fight against monkey pox, and the health ministry remains committed to protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.
Report compiled by Teddy Namayanja. She’s a staff writer at SML News UG passionate about Health and human rights.
