Kampala – Uganda is considering deploying two vaccines to combat the Mpox outbreak, Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has said.
According to the minister, the vaccines, MVA-BN and LC16, are undergoing emergency use licensure by the World Health Organization (WHO) and awaiting clearance by the National Drug Authority (NDA) for use in Uganda.
MVA-BN, a two-dose regime with USFDA approval, is recommended for adults, while LC16, produced in Japan with local regulatory approval, is recommended for both adults and children.
Addressing a press conference at the ministry headquarters on Friday, Dr. Aceng revealed that the Africa Center for Disease Control (CDC) has allocated 2,000 doses of MVA-BN vaccine to Uganda, enough to cover up to 1,000 individuals.
“The Ministry of Health is developing a plan for the equitable delivery and distribution of the vaccines, informed by epidemiology and disease severity,” said Dr. Aceng.
Additionally, the minister stated that the government is working with global partners to secure additional doses of the Mpox vaccine.
Uganda confirmed an Mpox outbreak last month after two cases were imported from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Since then, the country has recorded a total of 10 confirmed cases, with four recoveries and six individuals receiving care at the National Isolation Facility in Entebbe.
The cases are distributed across the country, with Kasese district having three cases, Mayuge District three cases, Kampala two cases, Wakiso District one case, and Amuru District one case.
The Ministry of Health appeals to the public to take precautions, such as avoiding physical contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms, washing hands regularly, and ensuring health workers use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when attending to suspected cases.
The public is urged to remain calm and vigilant. “Report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility for proper management or call the Ministry of Health toll-free line at 0800100-066 or send SMS to 6767 detailing the patient’s location and district for further investigations and action,” said the minister.
She however reassured the population that there is no cause for alarm and the Ministry of Health is in full control of the situation. “I would like to reassure all tourists, investors and traders intending to visit Uganda that the country remains very safe for travel and trade. There is no cause for alarm. We invite you to visit and enjoy the Pearl of Africa,” Dr. Acheng said
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on August 14th, 2024. Globally, there have been 102,997 laboratory-confirmed cases and 186 probable cases, including 223 deaths, reported as of July 31st, 2024. On Thursday this week, the DRC, epicenter of the mpox outbreak, received a donation of nearly 100,000 vaccines from the European Union to combat the spread of the disease.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Symptoms include fever, body ache, and skin rash. Although Mpox is self-limiting and usually resolves on its own within 2-4 weeks, it can be severe. Fatal cases are among; children under 15 years (but more in those below 5 years), pregnant women may lose their unborn babies or may get other undesirable pregnancy outcomes, and individuals with weakened immunity (people living with HIV/AIDS).