KAMPALA, March 31 (Xinhua) - Uganda is ramping up its fight against mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) with the arrival of 100,000 additional vaccine doses from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). This vital supply will bolster the nation’s vaccination campaign aimed at curbing the transmission of the virus, public health officials announced on Monday.

Henry Kyobe Bosa, the incident commander at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that these vaccines will be prioritized for the most affected areas, specifically targeting young adults aged 25 to 35. Critical regions with high transmission rates include various divisions of the capital, Kampala, such as Rubaga, Nakawa, and Central, along with key districts in central Uganda like Mukono, Wakiso, Buvuma, Nakasongola, and Masaka, and extending to the western districts of Mbarara and Hoima.

The initiative is a continuation of Uganda's initial vaccination campaign that began in February, where approximately 10,000 people in high-risk groups were vaccinated. These groups consisted of commercial sex workers, bar attendants, commuter taxi drivers, commercial motorcyclists, and roadside vendors in the Kawempe and Makindye divisions of Kampala.

Since the outbreak was identified last August, Uganda has reported 4,810 laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox and a troubling 37 deaths, predominantly among individuals with pre-existing health issues like HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, and diabetes.

The World Health Organization has raised alarms, labeling Uganda as having the highest incidence of community-transmitted mpox cases globally. Recent reports indicate a steady increase in the national case count, prompting Ugandan health authorities to enhance surveillance, case management, and public awareness campaigns in an effort to mitigate the spread of the disease.

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus and is transmitted through close contact. Symptoms can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, and skin rashes, often causing significant discomfort and health complications.

With the rise of mpox cases, it's vital for the public to remain vigilant and stay informed about this ongoing health crisis. Authorities commend those who participated in the initial vaccination efforts and urge everyone in the target demographics to take part in the upcoming campaign—after all, protecting yourself is protecting your community!