Health Care Staff & Community Health Workers Mobilize in Refugee Settlements 

 (KAMPALA, Uganda) August 30, 2024 – As a dangerous outbreak of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) spreads to other countries, Medical Teams International, a global health and humanitarian relief organization, is preparing for possible cases in its program areas in Uganda. Medical Teams staff and community health workers are mobilizing in refugee settlements and at border points to respond to an outbreak. 

With two decades of experience providing life-saving health care to refugees and host populations in Uganda, Medical Teams has responded effectively in recent years to Ebola, Cholera, Rift Valley Fever, Measles, and other disease outbreaks. This experience, our range of critically needed services, and our large service area footprint position us well to respond to mpox. 

Mpox is an infectious, potentially deadly disease caused by a virus that typically includes a skin rash preceding or following a flu-like illness. So far in 2024, mpox has been suspected in nearly 18,000 cases and 600 deaths in the DRC alone, according to the World Health Organization. Also, there has been a steep rise in the number of mpox cases in East Africa this year (about 70% of which have been children). Thus far, Uganda has had four confirmed cases but no deaths.  

“Medical Teams and our partners take very seriously the risk of mpox spreading into Uganda and other countries,” said Jason Evans, Medical Teams Uganda Country Director. “Unfortunately, due to institutional funding cuts across the board in the past year, we have fewer staff and resources collectively available to respond than are necessary. However, our commitment to providing quality health care to refugees and host communities is as strong as ever, and we will remain vigilant in preventing and controlling any mpox outbreaks.”    

The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Uganda has categorized several Medical Teams settlement areas in Southwestern Uganda as “high risk,” including Nakivale, Oruchinga, Kyaka II, Rwamwanja, Kyangwali, and transit centers Nyakabande and Bubukwanga. Settlements in the North/West Nile regions, such as Adjumani and Palorinya, have been classified as “moderate risk areas.” 

To prevent the spread of mpox, Medical Teams is focusing on several key activities including surveillance that involves identifying suspected cases, isolating them, and referring them for testing and care. The organization is also conducting risk communication and community engagement supporting prevention efforts through education and outreach. 

Additionally, Medical Teams is focusing on infection prevention and control by implementing hygiene measures and protocols to reduce transmission, coordination with the MoH to provide care for confirmed case, and vaccination advocacy ensuring frontline health care workers and refugees are included in vaccine campaigns, as the need may arise. 

About Medical Teams International 

Founded in 1979, Medical Teams International provides life-saving medical care for people in crisis, such as survivors of natural disasters and refugees. We care for the whole person— physical, emotional, social and spiritual. Daring to love like Jesus, we serve all people—regardless of religion, nationality, sex or race. Learn more at medicalteams.org and on social media using @medicalteams.  

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