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Uganda

UNICEF Uganda Humanitarian Situation Report No7 (Mpox), 1 - 30 April 2025

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HIGHLIGHTS

As of 29 April 2025, Uganda had reported 5,725 confirmed Mpox cases (2,347 female; 3,378 male) and 40 deaths since the first case identified on 24 July 2024.

Children and youth are notably affected, with 1,177 cases (483 female; 694 male) among those aged 0–18 years, and 2,649 cases (1,086 female; 1,563 male) among young adults aged 18–29.

During the reporting period, UNICEF reached 393,890 individuals (208,762 female; 185,128 male), including 108,508 children (57,509 girls; 50,999 boys), 89,446 adolescents (47,406 girls, 42,040 boys), and 195,936 adults (103,846 female; 92,090 male) through targeted awareness campaigns.

UNICEF reached 32,346 people (13,262 female; 19,084 male) to reinforce hygiene through provision of handwashing stations and soap; and cumulatively supported 92,357 people (37,866 female; 54,491 male) since the beginning of the response.

UNICEF reached 63 households with children with humanitarian cash, aimed at supporting their immediate recovery needs and alleviating financial burdens associated with isolation and treatment.

UNICEF reached 100 adults and care givers (51 females; 49 males), including 63 children (36 girls; 27 boys) diagnosed with Mpox, and provided Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services.

UNICEF reached 5,810 children and young people through awareness activities on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and supported community mobilization interventions on PSEA, with a cumulative total of 1,014,917 children and young people reached since the start of the outbreak.

UNICEF Uganda’s Mpox appeal remains 68 per cent unfunded, leaving critical gaps in support for affected vulnerable communities, especially children.

SITUATION IN NUMBERS

10,874 Total suspected cases

827 Children under 18 among the confirmed cases

5,725 Total confirmed cases

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION OF MPOX IN UGANDA

As of 29 April 2025, Uganda had reported 5,725 confirmed Mpox cases (2,347 female; 3,378 male) and 40 deaths since the first case reported on 24 July 2024. The outbreak spans over 100 districts, with 56.1 per cent of cases in males. The median age of cases is 29, highlighting Mpox’s impact on the economically active population. Children and youth are significantly affected, with 1,177 cases aged 0–18 and 2,649 aged 18–29. While young adults (25–39 years) have the highest attack rates, household transmission is raising concern for children and adolescents, especially with school reopening.

Although weekly reported case numbers have declined, underreporting especially in districts like Mbarara and Masaka, due to mild symptoms, sub-optimal testing and private care-seeking behavior, may conceal ongoing transmission.

Mpox remains a major public health threat in Uganda, with transmission happening in 79 per cent of the country’s districts. 6.1 per cent of Mpox related deaths involve HIV co-infection. Urban areas like Kampala, Mbarara, Wakiso and Masaka have the highest death tolls due to high mobility, density, and limited health-seeking behavior. Mbarara has the highest attack rates at 142/100,000 population, followed by Kampala at 120/100,000 population.

Key affected groups include sex workers and people living with HIV, who are nearly four times more likely to develop severe disease. People living with HIV account for 56 per cent of deaths. The association of Mpox with key population groups, particularly those involved in transactional sex, exposes individuals to dual discrimination both due to their occupation as commercial sex workers and due to the stigma associated with the disease. This compounded stigma increases fears of social rejection, creates additional barriers to disclosure, and hinders access to safe management and timely support for affected individuals. It is important to embed Mpox screening, treatment, and counseling within HIV services and SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) platforms. Facilities serving key populations, including sex workers and men who have sex with men, must be equipped to offer integrated care.