Uganda’s Ministry of Health (MOH), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’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 possible Marburg outbreak. The orientation was conducted in different batches over a three-week period targeting reporters and editors at national and regional levels.

The orientation aimed at providing journalists and editors with the necessary information to curb fake news and misinformation during disease outbreak. It combined knowledge and skills modules focusing on translating ideas around mpox and Marburg into useable stories. The participants generated news story ideas, some of which they will follow up and report on. The trainers equipped the journalists with tips on ensuring that what they report benefits the community by raising the right questions to the duty bearers and policy makers.

“Engaging with the media helps us to contextualize communication to promote a preventive approach for disease outbreaks like mpox and Marburg," said Dr Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public health at MoH. “I urge you to find appropriate ways of sharing information and also use simple language that communities can understand."

On 24 July 2024, Uganda confirmed two cases of mpox in Kasese district and subsequently declared an outbreak on 2 August 2024. As of 18 November 2024, a total of 574 cumulative confirmed cases and one death had been reported across 47 districts with an average of six contacts per case. The risk of the virus spreading  within the affected districts and to other parts of the country that have not reported cases remains high. 

Uganda’s Ministry of Health is leading the mpox response with support from WHO and partners, including UNICEF. Among the key measures to curb the spread of mpox, health authorities and stakeholders  are working closely with communities to raise awareness about the dangers of the disease, how to stay safe, and address misinformation and stigma to ensure that affected communities are confident in seeking medical assistance to help halt the spread of the virus.

“The media’s ability to inform, educate, and engage the public is essential in ensuring accurate information reaches every community member. This helps to dispel myths, address misinformation, and foster a better understanding of  mpox and Marburg,” said Dr Charles Njuguna, the Acting WHO Representative to Uganda.

The dynamics in the current mpox outbreak are changing, with a high level of human-to-human transmission mainly through close body contacts. This is new in the mpox response necessitating community engagement to prevent escalation. This involves controlling and managing mpox in vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and immune-compromised persons, and averting large institutional outbreaks in schools, prisons, and refugee settings.

 Health authorities are also taking proactive steps to prepare for a possible Marburg outbreak, a virus that has the potential to cause devastating effects if not managed promptly.

Dr Njuguna encouraged the media to continue working closely with health authorities to share updates and reinforce key messages on prevention, vaccination, and supportive care. “Together, we can help communities understand that early diagnosis and proactive measures can save lives,” he added.

UNICEF Uganda  Chief of Health Dr Yaron Wolman observed that, “each case or patient represents a person, a family, and a community. Accurate and compassionate reporting will help rally support for those affected without discrimination or stigma and ensure that our response is informed and empathetic." 

Francis Kagolo, a news editor with New Vision newspaper said, “as editors, we need to always get enough background information so that we guide the reporters from an informed position.” 

Dr. John Baptist Imokola, a media trainer from ACME reminded the journalists on the importance of enriching their knowledge base on public health emergencies. “The trainings served as a timely reminder to the media about their responsibility in fighting outbreaks by furthering the conversation with medics, experts, and policy makers,” he said. 

“I learnt that all that is said about mpox, Marburg and any other disease outbreaks must be verified by medical experts before sharing with the public. The public must know that these diseases are serious and hurt. Journalists must be careful to report facts,” said Annita Matsika, a journalist with Radio West in Mbarara.

While mpox remains a significant public health concern in Uganda, the country has made significant strides in responding to the outbreak. WHO, with support from partners like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is working diligently to strengthen the different response pillars; coordination, surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, case management, risk communication and community engagement countrywide.