UNICEF, Ministry of Health Sensitize Public on  Mpox, Asked to be vigilant

The general Public in the Kampala Metropolitan Area has been urged to be more vigilant by washing hands, sanitizing and reporting any Mpox virus signs and symptoms.

Speaking during an Mpox sensitization training for ‘Abatongole ba Kabaka’ representing 133 villages of Buganda kingdom held at Pope Paul memorial in Rubaga Division in Kampala, Dr Buluma Denis Mike, District Medical officer – KCCA Rubaga Division said, ‘Kampala has the highest number of Mpox confirmed cases across the 5 Divisions: Kawempe (455); Makindye (201); Rubaga (122); Nakawa (97) and Central (73).”

He noted that people at the highest risk of contracting Mpox are pregnant mothers, children below the age of 5 years, and people with immune compromising conditions such as HIV/AIDS, Diabetes and cancer among others.

Dr Buluma added that if someone with Mpox remains within the community, they can spread the virus up to 30 people. The virus has an incubation period of 21 days. 

Ssalongo Ddungu Zikuza, Speaker Rubaga Division – Buganda Kingdom thanked the Ministry of Health, KCCA and UNICEF Uganda for training the ‘Abatongole ba Kabaka’ from 133 villages, who will sensitize the communities under their jurisdiction, to ensure that awareness and vigilance for the Mpox virus is spread wider.”

Dr Buluma elaborated that 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, shaking hands, sex, inhaling contaminated particles or viruses and contact with infected persons or animals.

Mpox Community sensitization trainings are still ongoing especially amongst high-risk communities such as the business community, Bus, Taxi and boda-boda drivers/riders, market vendors, timber traders and sexual workers especially within Kampala Metropolitan Area using a campaign dubbed ‘safe circles’. 

The ‘Safe circles’ campaign will continue curbing Mpox spread by urging people to stay protected by not letting Mpox into their circles.