The British High Commission in Kampala has announced a £1 million contribution to bolster Uganda’s efforts in managing the ongoing Mpox outbreak.
The funding, aimed at supporting key health initiatives, will be channeled through Baylor College of Medicine and the Infectious Disease Institute, aligning with the Ugandan government’s Mpox response plan.
The financial support will focus on enhancing coordination of the national response, improving surveillance, and strengthening risk communication and community engagement in affected districts.
This comes at a critical time as Uganda continues to face rising Mpox cases, with recent reports indicating 33 new infections, bringing the total to 69. The new cases are reported in 11 affected districts and, notably, the virus is mainly being transmitted through sexual contact.
Philip Smith, Acting British High Commissioner to Uganda reveals the importance of a collaborative approach in tackling the outbreak.
“It is critical that we work with the Government of Uganda to counter this outbreak. We are pleased to announce that this additional funding is being released immediately to support a timely response. The UK’s support will work in affected districts to improve the response to the outbreak on the ground. The UK will stand with the Government and people of Uganda in tackling this outbreak.” he said
The support highlights the longstanding partnership between the UK and Uganda in responding to health crises.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health, acknowledged the UK’s continued role as a key partner.
“We appreciate the £1 million contribution via implementing partners Baylor Uganda and the Infectious Disease Institute in supporting us to respond efficiently to the Mpox outbreak.” she said
As Uganda intensifies its Mpox response, the collaboration between the UK and Uganda, along with expert partners, is expected to enhance on-the-ground interventions, helping to curb the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable communities.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is transmitted through close physical contact, including sexual activity. The virus can spread from person to person through direct contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and infected skin lesions, or by touching contaminated objects. Common symptoms of mpox include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, back pain, and a characteristic skin rash.
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