The World Health Organization (WHO) has signed all necessary documents approving the use of two Mpox (Monkeypox) vaccines donated to Uganda by the US and Japan, the Ministry of Health has confirmed.

Last month, the Minister for Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng informed the country that Uganda was under consideration for deployment of the MVA-BN, recommended for adults from the USA and LC16 from Japan that is suitable for both adults and children.

Speaking to journalists in Kampala at a media orientation on the Mpox outbreak in Uganda, Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, the Director Public Health Services in the Ministry of Health noted that the 2,000 doses of both vaccines will arrive in early November 2024.

He adds that once these vaccines arrive in the country, they might be administered to frontline workers since they are not enough for many people in affected districts.

By Wednesday, Uganda had reported 262 total cases of Mpox from 28 districts of the country with only one death recorded and 98 new cases registered from Kasese, Kampala, Nakasongola, Wakiso, Mayuge, Mbarara City and Mukono among others.

By Ben Musanje

31 Oct 2024

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