Uganda deploys national Emergency Medical Team to support mpox response

Kampala. The World Health Organization (WHO) with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has supported Uganda’s Ministry of Health (MoH) to deploy the national Emergency Medical Team (nEMT) in the mpox outbreak response.

Uganda declared an outbreak of mpox on 24 July 2024, following confirmation of two cases in Kasese District. The outbreak has progressed since the declaration to affect over 70 districts with more than 2,000 cases reported across the country.

Leveraging collaboration to combat mpox among Uganda’s most vulnerable communities

Kampala. As Uganda faces an ongoing mpox outbreak, the response is prioritizing innovation and inclusivity, particularly given the disease's disproportionate impact on Key Populations (KPs) such as sex workers and their networks. These marginalized groups, often subjected to stigma, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare, are at greater risk during public health emergencies.

Uganda conquers Ebola in 69 days

Kampala. On 20 September 2022, Uganda declared an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV), with the first confirmed case identified at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. Over the course of the outbreak, 164 cases were reported, including 142 confirmed and 22 probable, resulting in 77 deaths and 87 recoveries. The outbreak, which spread across nine districts, posed one of Uganda’s greatest public health challenges in recent years. However, on 11 January 2023, Uganda declared the outbreak over – in record time of 69 days.

A second chance for mothers and children in Busoga

In the Busoga region of eastern Uganda, the fight for survival has long been a daunting challenge for mothers and their children. With one of the highest institutional maternal mortality rates in the country – 93 deaths per 100,000 institutional deliveries compared to a national average of 82.7 (Ministry of Health Annual Health Sector Performance Report 2023/2024)– the urgency to act is undeniable. For years, families have grappled with a broken emergency referral system, where the lack of resources and infrastructure has turned preventable complications into tragedies.