With the Mpox outbreak escalating in East Africa, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, Minister for General Duties, has called for strengthened regional collaboration to curb the disease’s spread.
Speaking at the close of the three-day of the Interdisciplinary Consortium for Epidemic Research ICER symposium at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba urged leaders to prioritize a regional strategy that bridges research and policymaking. Addressing researchers, policymakers, and health experts from across the region, she called for immediate action to establish a robust research framework that includes educational institutions.
“The urgency of the Mpox crisis demands a unified approach, underpinned by solid research and collaborative partnerships,” said Minister Lumumba.
She emphasized the importance of generating a cohesive research agenda that would attract government funding and drive practical solutions. By combining the findings of regional experts, Lumumba argued, the resulting framework would be stronger and better positioned to tackle the epidemic.
“The challenges posed by Mpox are formidable, and our efforts will only be as strong as the research frameworks we put in place,”
Minister Lumumba encouraged stakeholders to establish a foundational agenda for research, starting from educational institutions, to facilitate coordinated action. She also urged the Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat to consolidate research findings into actionable plans, making it easier for governments to provide necessary funding.
Uganda is a signatory of the International HealthRegulations (IHR-2015; 2024) under the WorldHealthOrganization (WHO). This mandates countries to share information regarding public health emergencies of epidemic diseases within 24 hours of detection.
Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, praised the government’s role in supporting epidemic research, noting that their funding has been instrumental in facilitating timely studies on Mpox. Musenero advocated for increased synergy among scientists and policymakers to generate practical solutions and tackle the outbreak’s root causes.
With the World Health Organization declaring Mpox a public health emergency of international concern, and Africa CDC designating it a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, East African leaders are stepping up their efforts to contain the virus. The symposium’s theme of building partnerships reflects a growing recognition of the need for a coordinated response.
Minister pledged to convey its outcomes to Prime Minister Nabbanja and ensure continued government engagement. “We are committed to supporting regional efforts and mobilizing resources to protect our communities,” she concluded, urging neighboring countries to join Uganda in confronting Mpox through a collective and well-researched approach.
The symposium, which brought together prominent figures such as Dr. Matshidiso Moeti from WHO and Dr. Ahmed Ogwell Ouma from Africa CDC, was a testament to the region’s commitment to addressing Mpox head-on. As the theme of building partnerships and collaborations to support a coordinated response echoed throughout the event, the call to action from Rt. Hon. Lumumba served as a rallying cry for all involved.
In her closing remarks, Lumumba pledged to brief Prime Minister Nabbanja on the outcomes of the symposium and ensure continued government support for combating the epidemic. With collective determination, she said, East Africa could effectively curb the spread of Mpox and safeguard public health across borders.
