Kampala, (UG):- The United States government, through its public health arm, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Friday delivered 5,000 laboratory test kits in a significant move to bolster Uganda’s response to the Mpox outbreak.
The donation, valued at $265,000 (approximately Shs 970 million), comes as Uganda grapples with an increase in Mpox cases was handed over by the U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp and received by Minister for Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng on Friday, November 01, 2024,
“It is not enough to have skilled personnel; it is important to empower them with the tools to work,” Ambassador Popp stated, adding; “The test kits and consumables that we are handing over today are part of our deliberate effort to ensure a complete, timely, and effective response.”
According to Popp, the donation is part of a broader U.S. government initiative, which includes an investment of $4 million (around Shs 14 billion) aimed at enhancing surveillance, risk communication, coordination, and contact tracing in Uganda.
On her part, Minister Aceng expressed gratitude for the U.S. government’s support, emphasizing Uganda’s commitment to controlling the Mpox outbreak.
“Uganda is doing all it takes and is committed to bringing the Mpox outbreak to an end as soon as possible. The Ministry of Health is in charge, and there is no cause for alarm or fear,” Dr Aceng assured, noting that over 200 Mpox cases and one death attributed to the virus have been reported in the country.
According to the U.S. Mission, the latest donation will be distributed between the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and Uganda National Health Laboratory Services (UNHLS), Uganda’s primary facilities for Mpox testing. This contribution adds to the 10,000 test kits that the U.S. CDC has provided since the outbreak began.
Beyond Mpox, the U.S. government, through agencies like the CDC, has been instrumental in advancing Uganda’s health security systems. Since 2017, Uganda’s diagnostic and laboratory capacity has seen significant improvement, expanding from just 15 accredited labs to over 70.
The donation on Friday marks yet another milestone in the collaborative efforts between the United States and Uganda, aimed at strengthening the country’s health infrastructure and improving its ability to respond to public health threats.
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