This article was first published by the World Health Organization.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health (MOH), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME), trained over 200 journalists nationwide on the Mpox outbreak and preparedness for a potential Marburg outbreak. These orientation sessions, spread over three weeks, creached reporters and news editors across the country.
The orientation aimed at providing journalists and editors with the necessary information to curb fake news and misinformation during disease outbreaks.y combining knowledge and skills modules, the training focused on transforming complex health information into accessible news stories. Participants generated story ideas, some of which they will develop into news reports.
“Engaging with the media helps us to contextualise communication to promote a preventive approach for disease outbreaks like Mpox and Marburg,” said Dr Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health.
“I urge you to find appropriate ways of sharing information and use simple language that communities can understand,” he told the journalists.
On 24 July 2024, Uganda confirmed two cases of Mpox in Kasese district and declared an outbreak on 2 August. As of 18 November 2024, a total of 574 cumulative confirmed cases and one death had been reported across 47 districts with an average of six contacts per case. The risk of the virus spreading within the affected districts and other parts of the country that have not reported cases remains high.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health is leading the Mpox response with support from WHO and partners, including UNICEF. To curb the spread of Mpox, health authorities and stakeholders are working closely with communities to raise awareness about the dangers of the disease, providing information on how to stay safe, and addressing misinformation and stigma.
“The media’s ability to inform, educate and engage the public is essential in ensuring accurate information reaches every community member. This helps to dispel myths, address misinformation, and foster a better understanding of Mpox and Marburg,” said Dr Charles Njuguna, the Acting WHO Representative to Uganda.
The dynamics of the current Mpox outbreak are changing, with a high level of human-to-human transmission mainly through close body contact. This is new in the Mpox response necessitating community engagement to prevent escalation. This involves controlling and managing Mpox in vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and immune-compromised persons, and averting large institutional outbreaks in schools, prisons, and refugee settings.
Health authorities are also taking proactive steps to prepare for a possible Marburg outbreak, a virus that has the potential to cause devastating effects if not managed promptly.
Dr Njuguna encouraged the media to continue working closely with health authorities to share updates and reinforce key messages on prevention, vaccination, and supportive care.
“Together, we can help communities understand that early diagnosis and proactive measures can save lives,” he added.
UNICEF Uganda Chief of Health Dr Yaron Wolman observed that “accurate and compassionate reporting will help rally support for those affected without discrimination or stigma and ensure that our response is informed and empathetic.”
Highlighting the role of editors in shaping accurate and informative news coverage, Francis Kagolo, a news editor with New Vision newspaper, explained, “As editors, we need to get enough background information so that we guide the reporters from an informed position.”
Echoing this sentiment, Annita Matsika, a journalist with Radio West in Mbarara, highlighted the importance of verifying information with medical experts. “I learned that all that is said about Mpox, Marburg, and any other disease outbreaks must be verified by medical experts before sharing with the public,” she said. “The public must know that these diseases are serious and harmful. Journalists must be careful to report facts.”
John Baptist Imokola, a media trainer from ACME reminded the journalists of the importance of enriching their knowledge base on public health emergencies.
“The training served as a timely reminder to the media about their responsibility in fighting outbreaks by furthering the conversation with medics, experts, and policymakers,” he said.
While Mpox remains a significant public health concern in Uganda, the country has made significant strides in responding to the outbreak. The World Health Organization with support from partners like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is working diligently to strengthen the different response pillars; coordination, surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, case management, risk communication and community engagement countrywide.
