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The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting Uganda in addressing a Monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak that began on July 24, 2024, with 164 confirmed cases and one death reported so far. WHO’s Deputy Director General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, is in Uganda to assess the situation and collaborate with the government on response strategies. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja emphasized the need for regional cooperation to control the spread.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has allocated funds to aid Uganda in its efforts to combat Monkeypox (Mpox).

Uganda reported its first Mpox cases on July 24, 2024, following the detection of two cases from Kasese District’s Bwera Hospital, identified by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) through regular monitoring.

These two instances emerged among six patients exhibiting symptoms aligned with Mpox case criteria.

Three months after the outbreak began, a total of 164 cases and one death have been confirmed.

WHO’s Deputy Director General for Health Emergencies, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, stated that he is currently in Uganda to assess the Mpox outbreak and strategize an appropriate response to the epidemic.

Dr. Chikwe also met with Uganda’s Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, at her Kampala office.

He commended Uganda’s leadership for its proactive measures in handling disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.

“We have earmarked funds to combat epidemics like this, but we urge the government to collaborate with us in curbing the spread,” Dr. Chikwe remarked.

However, he did not disclose the specific amount allocated to assist Uganda in managing the Mpox outbreak.

Prime Minister Nabbanja requested that WHO ensure that neighboring countries also step up their efforts to control Mpox transmission, aiming to eradicate the epidemic across the region.

“As WHO, you should make sure neighboring countries implement measures to control the epidemic so we can defeat it together,” Nabbanja noted.

Separately, the government has agreed to reduce the electricity rate for tea processors to 5 cents per US Dollar, aiming to help the industry recover from the current tea crisis.

State Minister for Energy, Opolot Okasai, confirmed this decision during a meeting with tea farmers, processors, and Prime Minister Nabbanja.

The meeting was convened at the President’s direction to address Uganda’s tea crisis. The Prime Minister reiterated the President’s concern over Uganda’s tea fetching the lowest prices on the international market, primarily due to poor harvesting practices and high energy costs.

Uganda has 35 tea factories, two of which have recently shut down due to high electricity costs. Ugandan tea farmers have cultivated 50,000 hectares. Due to the low market prices, some farmers have threatened to replace tea plantations with other crops.

In efforts to revitalize the tea sector, the Government of Uganda requires UGX 41 billion to procure fertilizers for the country’s tea farmers.