Namayingo District task force members have undergone a one-day orientation to strengthen their ability to design and implement effective response mechanisms for the prevention of Monkey pox (MPOX) and measles.

The training, conducted on Tuesday with support from USAID-Uganda Health Activity (UHA), aimed at enhancing the district’s preparedness in managing disease outbreaks.

With Namayingo recently reporting eight cases of measles on Lolwe Islands and neighboring Mayuge registering 11 cases of MPOX, the training was timely for reinforcing the capacity of local health systems.

Mathias Mangeni, the District Assistant District Health Officer said that the orientation was part of broader efforts to boost the district’s capacity in public health surveillance and emergency response.

Fred Ojiambo, the Senior Assistant chief Administrative Officer (SACAO) who represented the Chief Administrative Officer, emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration and urged stakeholders to share vital health information with the community.

He noted the need to focus on preventive measuressuch as avoiding contact with infected individuals and maintaining proper hygiene to help curb the spread of disease of MPOX.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Several cases have already been identified and reported in Uganda. Mpox is caused by a virus transmitted from animals to humanswith symptoms resembling those of smallpox, though less severe.

Dr. Bamweyana Wycliff orienting district taskforce members in district council hall on Tuesday

Members of the district task force listen attentively during the orientation session on Tuesday

James Adera Ouma, the Secretary for health and education speaking during the orientation.