The Bunyoro Regional Emergency Operations Centre has released its weekly epidemiological bulletin for Week 19 (5th to 11th May 2025), revealing both progress and pressing public health challenges across the region. The bulletin serves as a critical tool for district, national, and global stakeholders to track disease trends, assess health service delivery, and guide emergency interventions.
Malaria Dominates Disease Burden
Malaria continues to be the leading cause of illness in Bunyoro, contributing to 96% of the region’s overall disease burden. Over 32,000 outpatients were seen across nine districts, with more than 23,700 tested for malaria. Alarmingly, four districts reported malaria cases above their respective epidemic thresholds, including Kiryandongo and Kikuube.
Kiryandongo district recorded the highest positivity rate at 61%, and 11% of positive cases were not treated, raising concerns about treatment gaps. The report calls for intensified malaria prevention and treatment measures in high-burden districts.
Tuberculosis: Over Half of Cases Missed
While 91% of outpatient clients were screened for tuberculosis across the region, only 55 of the expected 132 TB cases were diagnosed and linked to treatment—resulting in a staggering 59% of cases missed. Hoima City in particular showed a decline in linking new TB cases to care. Districts like Kibaale also had notably low treatment initiation rates at just 67%.
The bulletin recommends community-level TB case finding in hotspot areas and more robust follow-up to ensure diagnosed patients are initiated on treatment.
Surveillance Reporting Below Targets
Surveillance reporting across the region remains inconsistent. Only two of the nine districts—Masindi and Kikuube—met the Ministry of Health (MoH) target of 80% for both reporting completeness and timeliness. Districts like Kagadi and Kibaale had especially low performance, with some weeks reporting as low as 15% completeness. Health Management Information System (HMIS) focal persons are urged to strengthen their reporting to support timely detection and response to disease threats.
Maternal and Perinatal Health
Encouragingly, no maternal deaths were reported during the week. However, four perinatal deaths occurred, highlighting the need to sustain and improve quality obstetric and neonatal care. This marks a reduction from previous weeks, indicating potential progress in maternal and newborn health practices.
Measles Outbreak Persists in Kiryandongo
Kiryandongo district reported eight new measles cases during the week, part of an ongoing outbreak that has yet to be contained. Health authorities are calling for urgent support from the Ministry of Health and partners to conduct mass immunization campaigns to curb the spread.
Mpox Cases Increase in Kiryandongo
Mpox continues to be a concern in Bunyoro, with Kiryandongo emerging as a new hotspot alongside Hoima City. Although active case searches and risk communication efforts are underway with partner support, the situation remains fluid. Three deaths from Mpox have been reported regionally so far.
Border Health Surveillance and Risk of Importation
Despite efforts at border health surveillance, only 58% of travelers at Sebagoro Point of Entry were screened for illness—down from 100% in previous weeks. With no data available from other points of entry like Butiaba and Nsonga, the risk of importing diseases into the region remains high. Districts are urged to lobby for more screening personnel and equipment.
Event-Based Surveillance Signals Growing Health Threats
Sixteen alerts were received via the 6767 SMS platform during the week, 14 of which came from Kiryandongo district. Verified signals included suspected Mpox and measles cases. Ongoing activities include case investigations, village health team (VHT) training supported by the Red Cross, and surveillance strengthening for TB.
Key Public Health Messages
The Emergency Operations Centre reminds the public that reporting health alerts is free and accessible. Community members are encouraged to use:
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Free SMS to 6767 starting with the word ‘ALERT’
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U-report SMS to 8500
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Toll-free hotline: 0800255205
