The World Health Organization has provided the Ugandan Ministry of Health with a set of 2,400 tests to strengthen the country's response to Monkeypox through rapid laboratory identification of cases.

These kits are among the first Monkeypox laboratory tools received in the country and will be used by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) to begin testing for the disease.

"Since the global Monkeypox outbreak in early May 2022, Uganda has been shipping it’s samples to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) laboratory in South Africa for testing. These test kits donated by WHO will allow us to provide timely results on Monkeypox in the country." Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Acero, Minister of Health in Uganda.

"Although no cases of Monkeypox in Uganda have been reported to WHO so far, we continue to support the country to strengthen its surveillance activities to prevent any importation of cases, but also to ensure rapid detection of cases for immediate support." Dr. Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, WHO representative in Uganda.

Dr. Yonas also added that WHO has assisted the Ministry of Health in developing the contingency plan and has disseminated WHO's public health advice for gatherings during the current Monkeypox.

As of June 01, 2022, countries in the WHO African Region have reported 44 confirmed cases of Monkeypox, 1408 suspected cases, and 66 deaths. WHO through its Health Emergencies Programme, continues to support countries in the prevention and response to the outbreak.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans, and between people. Its symptoms include fever, severe headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, and a rash that forms blisters and scabs. The rash tends to be concentrated on the face, palms, and soles of the feet. The mouth, genitals, and eyes may also be affected.

Vaccination against smallpox has been shown in the past to provide cross-protection against Monkeypox. However, any immunity resulting from smallpox vaccination will only be present in people aged 42-50 years or older, depending on the country, as smallpox vaccination programs ended worldwide in 1980 after the eradication of smallpox. The original (first generation) smallpox vaccines from the eradication program are no longer available to the general public. In addition, the protection of those vaccinated may have waned over time.

Outreach to potentially affected communities, as well as to health care providers and laboratory personnel, is essential to identify and prevent new cases and to effectively manage the current outbreak.