Uganda’s Mpox Surge Slows: Over 8,000 Cases Recorded Amidst Declining Infections and Focused Response

KAMPALA, UGANDA – Uganda has surpassed 8,001 cumulative confirmed cases of mpox, with 50 lives lost to the virus, according to recent reports from the Ministry of Health. While the overall numbers remain significant, health officials have noted an encouraging trend: a sustained decline in new infections, marking a potential turning point in the nation’s public health response. This vital news comes as the country continues its multi-pronged strategy to control the outbreak.

Declining Infections Signal Hope

For six consecutive weeks, Uganda has reported fewer than 100 new mpox cases weekly. This sustained reduction, first observed since October 2024, indicates a flattening of the epidemic curve and suggests that control measures are beginning to yield positive results. This data aligns with broader continental trends, where the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has also observed an encouraging decline in cases across various African nations, though overall case numbers on the continent remain high since the beginning of 2024. The Ministry of Health has actively worked to enhance surveillance and public awareness, contributing to this downward trajectory.

Widespread Geographic Impact and Vulnerable Populations

The mpox virus has established a wide footprint across Uganda, with cases reported in 120 out of the country’s 146 districts. As of the latest reports, 40 districts have recorded new cases within the past 21 days, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and targeted interventions. The demographic data reveals that young adults and males are disproportionately affected by the virus, with specific age groups and urban populations showing higher incidence rates.

The Critical Link: HIV Coinfection and Mortality

A particularly concerning aspect of the outbreak is the high mortality rate among individuals coinfected with HIV. Approximately 46 percent of the recorded deaths have occurred in this vulnerable group. This statistic underscores the complex interplay between mpox and pre-existing health conditions, particularly HIV, which can compromise the immune system and exacerbate disease severity. Global data indicates that a significant proportion of mpox cases worldwide have involved coinfection with HIV, making integrated management strategies crucial.

Comprehensive Response Efforts Underway

Uganda’s Ministry of Health, in close collaboration with international partners including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa CDC, is implementing a comprehensive strategy to combat mpox. These efforts encompass robust surveillance systems, active case finding, laboratory testing, clinical case management, and extensive community engagement.

Vaccination campaigns are actively targeting high-risk populations, with efforts to secure additional vaccine doses underway. The WHO has played a critical role in declaring mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and is supporting national authorities in strengthening healthcare worker capacity and laboratory systems. UNICEF has also been instrumental, disseminating vital mpox prevention information to millions and supporting data management tools for vaccination rollouts. Electronic surveillance platforms are being utilized to improve contact tracing and monitor outbreaks more effectively.

Background and Path Forward

The mpox outbreak in Uganda, primarily driven by the Clade Ib strain, was declared in August 2024, escalating from initial cases identified in July. This strain has been associated with more severe disease dynamics. While the current decline in new infections is a positive development, health authorities emphasize that the epidemic remains active, and continued adherence to public health advisories is essential. Public awareness campaigns continue to promote protective measures, such as regular hand washing and avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals.

The Ministry of Health reiterates its commitment to controlling the outbreak and reassures the public that the situation is being managed. The ongoing collaborative efforts between national health bodies and international organizations are crucial in safeguarding public health and working towards the eventual control of mpox in Uganda.