The Ministry of Well being (MOH), with assist from the World Well being Group (WHO), held a two-day Intra-Motion Assessment (IAR) for the continued mpox outbreak response in Uganda. This engagement offered a possibility to mirror, establish gaps and greatest practices, and refine methods to enhance the response and reduce morbidity, mortality, and the direct and oblique results on livelihoods.
“This can be a very crucial train for the Ministry of Well being and companions to evaluate the present mpox response methods and establish what’s working properly and what must be strengthened, giving us the chance to vary the trajectory of the outbreak,” stated Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, the Director of Public Well being.
On 24 July 2024, Uganda reported its first confirmed mpox case after samples from two grownup females at Bwera Hospital in Kasese District, close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), examined optimistic on the Uganda Virus Analysis Institute (UVRI). Following the outbreak declaration, MOH, in collaboration with companions, launched a coordinated response. Efforts included intensified contact tracing, testing of suspected instances, and different focused interventions.
As of 9 March 2025, Uganda had reported 3,695 cumulative confirmed instances and 30 fatalities throughout 102 districts and cities.
WHO Consultant to Uganda Dr. Kasonde Mwinga appreciated the Authorities of Uganda for main the mpox outbreak response and the heroic efforts carried out since its declaration.
“The Ministry of Well being has invested in constructing resilience and its fast response to mpox and Ebola, whereas sustaining the supply of important well being companies. This can be a testomony to sturdy management and efficient response to the outbreak,” she stated. “WHO is dedicated to working carefully with the federal government and companions to manage outbreaks and assist response efforts, that are very important in saving lives.”
An Intra-Motion Assessment is a qualitative evaluate of actions taken to reply to an emergency or public well being occasion, aimed toward figuring out greatest practices and areas for enchancment to be higher ready for the longer term. It helps assess the performance of nationwide capacities throughout responses to well being emergencies.
Throughout IAR discussions, the group noticed {that a} unified coordination method, systematic companion mapping, and high-level political engagement have strengthened the mpox response, lowering duplication and bettering accountability. Cross-border collaboration and the mixing of digital surveillance instruments have enhanced information sharing and early detection. Nonetheless, useful resource and logistics gaps, fragmented information administration, and overlapping mandates stay important challenges, slowing response efforts.
To deal with these gaps, the group really helpful strengthening coordination mechanisms, increasing technical steerage, and institutionalizing real-time companion monitoring. Enhanced useful resource mobilization, improved surveillance, and decentralized laboratory capability will assist guarantee well timed outbreak response. Moreover, reinforcing danger communication, increasing vaccination protection, and investing in workforce growth will construct long-term preparedness. Strengthening digital integration, operational analysis, and cross-pillar information sharing will additional improve effectivity and decision-making. A sturdy monitoring and analysis framework, backed by high-level advocacy and funding alignment, can be important for sustaining these efforts.
