Uganda Receives 10,000 Mpox Vaccine Doses

Uganda Receives 10,000 Mpox Vaccine Doses

In a critical response to Uganda’s worsening Mpox outbreak, the European Commission, through its Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), has delivered 10,000 doses of the MVABN® vaccine. The consignment landed at Entebbe International Airport yesterday afternoon, marking a significant step in addressing the viral disease that has claimed 10 lives and infected over 1,000 people across the country.

This urgent delivery is part of a broader European initiative, with HERA donating more than 215,000 doses to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to combat Mpox outbreaks across the continent. Previous consignments included 200,000 vaccines to the Democratic Republic of Congo and 5,420 doses to Rwanda in 2023.

Laurent Muschel, the head of HERA, emphasized the importance of global collaboration in tackling health emergencies:
“We made a commitment to address the Mpox outbreak in close cooperation with our partners. We cannot fight these health threats alone—solidarity between continents is essential. Through this partnership, we aim to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen global health security.”

Dr. Jean Kaseya, the director general of Africa CDC, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the power of partnerships in addressing health crises:
“The delivery of these vaccines highlights the strength of collaboration in addressing health emergencies. Together with the European Commission and Team Europe, we are making significant strides in safeguarding vulnerable communities and enhancing Africa’s health resilience.”

The EU Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Jan Sadek, described the vaccine delivery as a vital effort under the Team Europe initiative:
“The European Union is a committed partner of Uganda and remains steadfast in supporting efforts to combat this outbreak. These vaccines are a critical tool in protecting lives and ensuring a healthier future for Ugandans.”

Since the Mpox outbreak was first confirmed in Uganda in July 2024, the disease has spread across 71 districts, with Kampala Metropolitan Area bearing the brunt. According to the Mpox response team, Kampala City alone has recorded 808 cases and one death, while Wakiso and Mukono have reported 246 and 41 cases, respectively.

Beyond Kampala, Nakasongola District has the highest case count at 77, followed by Mbarara City with 44 and Hoima City with 13. The Mpox virus, characterized by symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash, has become a pressing public health concern, particularly in urban and semi-urban regions.

As Uganda’s healthcare system grapples with the rising number of cases, the arrival of the vaccines is a beacon of hope. The Ministry of Health, supported by Africa CDC and European partners, aims to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines to high-risk populations, including Kampala’s most affected neighborhoods.

The vaccines are expected to provide crucial protection to healthcare workers, vulnerable populations, and key communities at risk. This initiative is part of a larger global effort to curb the spread of Mpox, underscoring the importance of international partnerships in safeguarding public health.

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