The Ministry of Health (MOH), with give a boost to from the World Health Organization (WHO), held a two-day Intra-Action Evaluation (IAR) for the ongoing mpox outbreak response in Uganda. This engagement offered a possibility to grasp, identify gaps and handiest practices, and refine systems to give a boost to the response and within the reduction of morbidity, mortality, and the voice and indirect effects on livelihoods.
“Right here’s a extraordinarily extreme exercise for the Ministry of Health and companions to seem on the fresh mpox response systems and identify what is working well and what wants to be strengthened, giving us the change to interchange the trajectory of the outbreak,” said Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, the Director of Public Health.
On 24 July 2024, Uganda reported its first confirmed mpox case after samples from two grownup females at Bwera Sanatorium in Kasese District, come the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), tested distinct on the Uganda Virus Review Institute (UVRI). Following the outbreak declaration, MOH, in collaboration with companions, launched a coordinated response. Efforts included intensified contact tracing, attempting out of suspected cases, and varied centered interventions.
As of 9 March 2025, Uganda had reported 3,695 cumulative confirmed cases and 30 fatalities all the map through 102 districts and cities.
WHO Consultant to Uganda Dr. Kasonde Mwinga favored the Authorities of Uganda for leading the mpox outbreak response and the heroic efforts implemented since its declaration.
“The Ministry of Health has invested in building resilience and its rapid response to mpox and Ebola, while asserting the provision of needed health services. Right here’s a testament to strong management and efficient response to the outbreak,” she said. “WHO is devoted to working closely with the executive and companions to control outbreaks and give a boost to response efforts, that are a must-have in saving lives.”
An Intra-Action Evaluation is a qualitative review of actions taken to respond to an emergency or public health event, aimed at identifying handiest practices and areas for enchancment to be better willing for the future. It helps assess the functionality of national capacities for the duration of responses to health emergencies.
For the duration of IAR discussions, the team noticed that a unified coordination capacity, systematic companion mapping, and high-stage political engagement have strengthened the mpox response, reducing duplication and enhancing accountability. Defective-border collaboration and the integration of digital surveillance tools have enhanced information sharing and early detection. Nonetheless, resource and logistics gaps, fragmented information administration, and overlapping mandates live basic challenges, slowing response efforts.
To address these gaps, the team suggested strengthening coordination mechanisms, expanding technical guidance, and institutionalizing loyal-time companion monitoring. Enhanced resource mobilization, improved surveillance, and decentralized laboratory skill will aid gain distinct that timely outbreak response. Additionally, reinforcing distress communication, expanding vaccination coverage, and investing in team development will map long-time period preparedness. Strengthening digital integration, operational compare, and execrable-pillar information sharing will additional strengthen effectivity and decision-making. A strong monitoring and evaluation framework, backed by high-stage advocacy and funding alignment, will be needed for sustaining these efforts.
