The Ugandan Ministry of Health has today received mpox sample collection kits worth USD 15,135  (equivalent to UgX 56 million) to support accurate and timely diagnostic testing, which is critical in controlling the spread of mpox in the country.

The sample collection kits, comprise 5,000 swabs with transport medium and 5,000 dry Dacron/polyester flocked swabs. The kits were procured with generous funding from the Federal Republic of Germany through the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies as part of support to the mpox outbreak response in Uganda. The kits will be used by districts and healthcare facilities across the country to collect samples from suspected mpox cases and channel them to the Uganda Virus Research Institute for testing.

During the handover ceremony, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director Curative Services at  Ministry of Health, welcomed the timely support of WHO and Germany, which will facilitate rapid detection and response to the mpox outbreak in the country.

  "I thank WHO and Germany for this support that will enable us to make the right mpox diagnostics in order to recommend the appropriate treatment," Dr. Olaro said.

Dr. Charles Njuguna Kuria, Acting  WHO Representative to Uganda reiterated WHO’s commitment to supporting Uganda in building a resilient health system capable of responding to public health threats such as mpox. He further expressed gratitude for the strong partnership with Ministry of Health and international partners like the Federal Republic of Germany.

“We encourage the Ministry and all healthcare facilities receiving these kits to put them to immediate use in the field as we work together to mitigate the spread of mpox and protect the health and wellbeing of Ugandans," said Dr. Njuguna.

On 24 July 2024, Uganda confirmed two cases of mpox in Kasese district and subsequently declared an outbreak on 2 August 2024. As of 23 September 2024, a total of 25 cumulative confirmed cases had been reported across the districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Kasese, Mayuge, Amuru, Nakaseke, Kagadi, Nakasongola, Adjumani and Mukono. 

Currently, 11 cases are admitted with no death while 12.5% of the total confirmed cases are from known contacts. The risk of spread of the virus within the affected districts and to other parts of the country that have not reported cases remains high. The detection of cases with no history of travel signifies a community transmission which requires urgent attention to determine any other epi-link with other exposures.