MPOX Sensitization Intensifies in Kampala Metropolitan amongst Transporters with Caution around Sexual Intercourse  

MPOX Sensitization Intensifies in Kampala Metropolitan amongst Ministry of Health (MOH), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in partnership UNICEF Uganda have today intensified community sensitization amongst Bus, Taxi and boda-boda drivers/riders within Kampala Metropolitan Area using a campaign dubbed ‘safe circles’ that focuses on urging people to stay protected by not letting Mpox into their circles because small actions create lasting protection.

Dr Oketcho Robert – Health Officer UNICEF said that currently, there is an increased spread of Mpox within Uganda with 1,088 confirmed cases of Mpox confirmed and 6 deaths to date countrywide, with greater Kampala Metropolitan Area accounting for most of the cases (64%).

Bakyayita Tabule Abasajjatebadiba, Social Behaviour Change Officer – Risk Communication at the Ministry of Health said, “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.”

Dr Walyomo Richard – Incident Commander – Mpox/ Central Division Medical Officer at the Kampala Capital City Authority, said that Mpox started on 19th August 2024, and since then there has been an increase of Mpox spread in Kampala. In Kampala alone, there are 468 accumulative cases got from fellow people – Nakawa (38) Central Division (39) Rubaga (56), Makindye (78) and the highest being Kawempe (257).

Dr Walyomo said that amongst the 6 deaths countrywide, 2 of them 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 (Mengo, Kisenyi and Kamwokya), Makindye Division (Katwe, Kibuye and Kabalagala), Kawempe Division (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.”

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. Tabule cautioned the bus, taxi and boda-boda drivers/riders to take extra caution especially by 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. Incase one is infected, they can heal within 2 weeks if dedicated early and treated.”

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 concluded by noting that Mpox risk communication within communities will continue all throughout the festive season.

In order to find out more about Mpox, Text sms ‘safe’ to 8500 or Call the Ministry of Health Toll free line 0800100066