Uganda’s Ministry of Well being (MOH), World Well being Group (WHO), United Nations Youngsters’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) oriented over 200 journalists countrywide on the mpox outbreak and preparedness for a potential Marburg outbreak. The orientation was performed in several batches over a three-week interval focusing on reporters and editors at nationwide and regional ranges.
The orientation aimed toward offering journalists and editors with the required info to curb faux information and misinformation throughout illness outbreak. It mixed information and expertise modules specializing in translating concepts round mpox and Marburg into useable tales. The individuals generated information story concepts, a few of which they are going to comply with up and report on. The trainers outfitted the journalists with recommendations on making certain that what they report advantages the neighborhood by elevating the best inquiries to the responsibility bearers and coverage makers.
“Partaking with the media helps us to contextualize communication to advertise a preventive strategy for illness outbreaks like mpox and Marburg,” mentioned Dr Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public well being at MoH. “I urge you to search out acceptable methods of sharing info and in addition use easy language that communities can perceive.”
On 24 July 2024, Uganda confirmed two circumstances of mpox in Kasese district and subsequently declared an outbreak on 2 August 2024. As of 18 November 2024, a complete of 574 cumulative confirmed circumstances and one loss of life had been reported throughout 47 districts with a mean of six contacts per case. The danger of the virus spreading throughout the affected districts and to different components of the nation that haven’t reported circumstances stays excessive.
Uganda’s Ministry of Well being is main the mpox response with assist from WHO and companions, together with UNICEF. Among the many key measures to curb the unfold of mpox, well being authorities and stakeholders are working intently with communities to lift consciousness concerning the risks of the illness, how you can keep protected, and deal with misinformation and stigma to make sure that affected communities are assured in searching for medical help to assist halt the unfold of the virus.
“The media’s capability to tell, educate, and have interaction the general public is crucial in making certain correct info reaches each neighborhood member. This helps to dispel myths, deal with misinformation, and foster a greater understanding of mpox and Marburg,” mentioned Dr Charles Njuguna, the Performing WHO Consultant to Uganda.
The dynamics within the present mpox outbreak are altering, with a excessive stage of human-to-human transmission primarily by shut physique contacts. That is new within the mpox response necessitating neighborhood engagement to forestall escalation. This includes controlling and managing mpox in weak populations resembling kids, pregnant girls, and immune-compromised individuals, and averting massive institutional outbreaks in colleges, prisons, and refugee settings.
Well being authorities are additionally taking proactive steps to organize for a potential Marburg outbreak, a virus that has the potential to trigger devastating results if not managed promptly.
Dr Njuguna inspired the media to proceed working intently with well being authorities to share updates and reinforce key messages on prevention, vaccination, and supportive care. “Collectively, we will help communities perceive that early analysis and proactive measures can save lives,” he added.
UNICEF Uganda Chief of Well being Dr Yaron Wolman noticed that, “every case or affected person represents an individual, a household, and a neighborhood. Correct and compassionate reporting will assist rally assist for these affected with out discrimination or stigma and be sure that our response is knowledgeable and empathetic.”
Francis Kagolo, a information editor with New Imaginative and prescient newspaper mentioned, “as editors, we have to all the time get sufficient background info in order that we information the reporters from an knowledgeable place.”
Dr. John Baptist Imokola, a media coach from ACME reminded the journalists on the significance of enriching their information base on public well being emergencies. “The trainings served as a well timed reminder to the media about their duty in preventing outbreaks by furthering the dialog with medics, specialists, and coverage makers,” he mentioned.
“I learnt that every one that’s mentioned about mpox, Marburg and another illness outbreaks should be verified by medical specialists earlier than sharing with the general public. The general public should know that these illnesses are critical and harm. Journalists should be cautious to report details,” mentioned Annita Matsika, a journalist with Radio West in Mbarara.
Whereas mpox stays a big public well being concern in Uganda, the nation has made important strides in responding to the outbreak. WHO, with assist from companions like america Company for Worldwide Growth (USAID), is working diligently to strengthen the totally different response pillars; coordination, surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, case administration, danger communication and neighborhood engagement countrywide.