Henry Kasule the Luwero District Surveillance Focal Person says that as result they have partnered with Red Cross Society to intensify the fight against the spread of the disease.
The Uganda Red Cross Society and Luwero District Health Department have deployed 25 volunteers to beef up efforts to contain the spread of monkeypox, in the area.
Luwero district confirmed its first Mpox case on November 1 and since then, the number of cases has increased to 58. The latest case was confirmed on Wednesday.
According to the district situational report on Mpox, at least six
patients are under home-based care and the majority have recovered from the disease.
The most affected areas include the counties of Butuntumula,
Katikamu, Luwero, Katikamu, Nyimbwa, Bombo, Kalagala and Luwero town councils.
Henry Kasule the Luwero District Surveillance Focal Person
says that as a result, they have partnered with the Red Cross Society to intensify the
fight against the spread of the disease.
Kasule said that at least 25 volunteers including Village
Health Teams have been trained to conduct Risk Communication and Community Engagement
(RCCE) to help residents protect themselves against Mpox disease.
Kasule added that they have also met over 150 head teachers
and reminded them to install handwashing facilities to prevent the spread of
the virus among the learners.
“Next week we shall also meet traditional healers and
religious leaders to sensitize them on prevention of monkeypox. Apart from Mpox, we shall also
sensitize them about the Ebola outbreak” Kasule said.
Nicholas Ayesiga the Health Officer at Uganda Red Cross
Society said that after training on Friday, the volunteers were equipped with
Personal Protective Equipment and cautioned about touching people in the
community to avoid contracting the disease during their work.
Ayesiga said that the volunteers have deployed in Mpox hotspots
that include Luwero, Wobulenzi and Bombo town councils. Others will operate in the
counties of Katikamu and Luwero.
He added that the volunteers will carry out sensitizations
in churches, schools and communities to remind people on how to prevent
themselves against Mpox and refer suspects to health centres.
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Luganda Byte
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However, the Luwero District Task Force on Mpox is struggling
to conduct case investigations, contact tracing, and patient follow-ups due to a lack
of funds.
According to the World Health Organisation situation report for
January 28th, 2025, Uganda has 2479 confirmed Mpox cases and 16 people have succumbed to the disease.
At least 56.9 % of cases have been registered in men
and 43.1 % among women
Currently Mpox has spread to 84 districts with 51 district-registered
cases in 21 last days.
Mpox can be transmitted through close contact with
contaminated materials, infected persons, or animals.
