The Ministry of Health has rolled out 10,000 doses of the Mpox vaccine, primarily targeting high-risk groups, including commercial sex workers. Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng revealed that by January 31, a total of 9,980 individuals had received the vaccine.
She further announced that the African Center for Disease Control has allocated an additional 100,000 doses for Uganda in the coming weeks.
“It is important to note that the category of sex workers receiving the vaccine includes both male and female. We strongly believe that vaccination will play a crucial role in interrupting transmission, preventing severe illness, and reducing mortality rates,” Aceng stated.
The minister also condemned misinformation, particularly from a YouTube channel named Media Choice Television, regarding the National Isolation Center in Entebbe.
“The misleading claims made in the video are not only dangerous to public health but also warrant investigation under Ugandan law. The Ministry reaffirms that the Mpox treatment facility in Entebbe is a medical center, not a detention facility,” Aceng clarified.
Addressing allegations that the ministry is exploiting outbreaks for financial gain, Aceng dismissed such claims as baseless.
“They keep saying the Ministry of Health is looking for money, specifically targeting the accounting officer and the minister. I want to stress that no minister declares an outbreak when it does not exist. We don’t enjoy controlling outbreaks it is risky. We worry about our health workers, and we worry about the loss of lives,” she emphasised.
She also revealed that the ministry is implementing a home-based care approach for mild Mpox cases, while severe cases continue to be managed at the national isolation facility in Entebbe.
So far, 1,589 patients have received supportive treatment, recovered, and been discharged from the Entebbe treatment center.