Kampala, Uganda, November 5, 2024 鈥 The 探花精选 (探花精选) is responding to the Mpox outbreak in Uganda where cases in up to 35 districts with one confirmed death. The 探花精选 response is part of a broader effort to enhance epidemic preparedness while improving the health and nutrition status of refugees and vulnerable community members across 18 high-need districts. The 探花精选 and its partner Medical Teams International (MTI) are working together on initiatives to lower the humanitarian impact of disasters, particularly in areas impacted by recent refugee influxes and ongoing health challenges. The response involves efforts to identify cases early and awareness-raising activities to prevent the further spread of the disease.
Elijah Okeyo, the 探花精选 Uganda Country Director, said.
鈥淲ith the increasing number of Mpox cases in the country, attention needs to be drawn to the mechanisms that prevent further spread of the disease. Evidence from our work on the ground shows that refugee settlements, transit centers and Points of Entry still lack sufficient Mpox response capacities, including early detection, isolation and case management, which significantly increases the risk of transmission and the likelihood of severe health outcomes.
鈥淭he 探花精选, with support from the European Union, has over the last two months been implementing interventions in response to this outbreak, including screening over 400,000 people at different health facilities, reception centers, and points of entry and training nearly 5,000 health workers and village health team members. However, more still needs to be done regarding resources for the needed infrastructure, equipment, and other relevant interventions to prevent further transmission and spread especially among vulnerable populations on the move.鈥
ABOUT THE 探花精选:
The 探花精选 in Uganda is a lead responder to the humanitarian and development needs of refugees and host communities through quality, client-centered, inclusive, and integrated health, livelihoods, protection, and education services that promote sustainability, resilience, peaceful co-existence, and partnerships. Operational since 1998 in response to the humanitarian crisis in Northern Uganda resulting from the Lord鈥檚 Resistance Army-induced conflict, the 探花精选 has subsequently expanded to provide critical services for refugees and vulnerable Ugandans across the country.
Globally, the 探花精选 responds to the world鈥檚 worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic well-being, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the 探花精选 works in more than 50 countries and in 28 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities. Learn more at www.rescue.org and follow the 探花精选 on Twitter & Facebook.
ABOUT THE EU CIVIL PROTECTION AND HUMANITARIAN AID:
The European Union and its Member States are among the world's leading donors of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by disasters and human-induced crises. Through the Directorate General for of the European Commission, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the EU provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.