Synopsis
On February 1, Uganda commenced a mpox vaccination initiative in Kampala, targeting high-risk populations amid an outbreak. The campaign, led by health officials, focuses on vulnerable groups and healthcare workers to curb transmission of the virus.Key Takeaways
- Launch of mpox vaccination campaign in Uganda.
- Targeting high-risk populations and health workers.
- Vaccination begins in areas with commercial sex activity.
- 2,000 vaccine doses available from Africa CDC.
- 2,479 confirmed mpox cases reported since August.
Kampala, Feb 1 (NationPress) Uganda has initiated a mpox vaccination campaign aimed at high-risk populations in Kampala, which serves as the epicenter of the virus outbreak in this East African nation.
Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, informed Xinhua news agency via telephone that the first phase of the vaccination effort is focused on high-risk groups and healthcare workers, with the goal of halting human-to-human transmission of this highly contagious virus.
The vaccination drive commenced in areas associated with high rates of commercial sex work, including bar staff, taxi drivers, motorcycle taxi operators, and street vendors in the Kawempe and Makindye divisions of Kampala, as reported by the health ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO). The program will expand to the remaining three divisions of Kampala, as well as the central districts of Wakiso and Mukono.
"This vaccination initiative aims at high-risk populations, close contacts of confirmed cases, and our frontline health workers situated in regions with ongoing transmission," stated Olaro.
As per health officials, Uganda possesses approximately 2,000 doses of the vaccine, donated by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sufficient to immunize up to 1,000 individuals.
Since the outbreak was confirmed last August, Uganda has reported 2,479 laboratory-confirmed mpox cases and 16 fatalities as of January 28, with many of the deceased having pre-existing health issues such as HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, diabetes, and sickle cell disease.
The WHO declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern in August, raising alarms about its potential for further global spread.
Mpox, commonly referred to as monkeypox, is a contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, transmitted through close contact, with symptoms that may include fever, lymph node swelling, sore throat, muscle pain, skin rash, and backache.
