INTRODUCTION
The Media Science Café:
On Tuesday, 13th May 2025, the Health Journalists Network in Uganda (HEJNU) hosted a one-day Health Café for media practitioners in Kampala.
The event, presided over by HEJNU President Esther Nakkazi, ran from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It brought together over 20 journalists from various media platforms—including online outlets, radio, television, and newspapers—as well as a representative from the Ministry of Health and members of civil society organizations.
The main focus of the Café was the rising threat of mpox in Uganda. Discussions highlighted the Ministry of Health’s efforts to curb the disease and strategies for strengthening public awareness and advocacy.
In addition to the mpox response, the Café emphasized the importance of improved health reporting and introduced participants to the principles of Solutions Journalism (SoJo), encouraging a more constructive and impact-driven approach to health coverage.
BACKGROUND
Uganda’s Mpox Outbreak and Media Science Café Objectives
Uganda has reported the highest number of confirmed mpox cases globally, averaging 280 new cases per week throughout April 2025. (https://africacdc.org/news-item/africa-cdc-weekly-bulletin-28-april-4-may-2025/)
According to the Africa CDC, sexual networks remain the primary driver of the outbreak, with cases spreading rapidly across slums, semi-urban, and urban areas. Mbarara City in Western Uganda and Masaka City are currently the most affected, accounting for 50% of the daily incidence in the week ending 13th April.
The Ministry of Health also notes increased severity among hospitalized patients, with marginalized populations—including sex workers and fishing communities—being the most affected. In response, the government has begun rolling out vaccines targeting these vulnerable groups.
Objectives of the Media Science Café
The media science café addressed the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) framing of the mpox outbreak, focusing on:
- Human Rights: Ensuring equitable access to vaccines and healthcare for all, including marginalized groups.
- Morality Framing: Emphasizing the government’s responsibility to protect vulnerable communities, particularly young girls, by providing accurate information on prevention and treatment.
- Advocacy: Highlighting the need for community leaders to advocate for at-risk groups and improved public health responses.
- Providing journalists an opportunity to engage with a Ministry of Health specialist and an SRHR activist to better understand the intersection of mpox and reproductive health rights.
- Exploring the roles of the media, community, and other stakeholders in preventing the spread of mpox and enhancing public awareness.
- Introducing journalists to the core principles and pillars of Solutions Journalism, encouraging reporting that goes beyond problems to highlight effective responses and solutions.
PRESENTATIONS
Presentation by Dr. Misaki Wayengera – Ministry of Health
On the current situation of mpox in Uganda, Dr. Misaki Wayengera from the Ministry of Health delivered the first presentation during the media science café. He covered key aspects including transmission, at-risk populations, treatment, and government efforts to control and eradicate the disease.
Understanding Mpox
Mpox belongs to a large family of viruses known as Poxviridae, specifically under the genus Orthopoxvirus. This group includes other viruses such as smallpox, cowpox, and camelpox.
The name “mpox” is derived from “monkeypox” due to the disease’s initial association with monkeys. It is a viral infection that typically begins with symptoms like sore throat, fever, and cough. After this early phase, the disease becomes systemic, affecting multiple organs—particularly the skin—where swellings and lesions appear around two to three weeks after exposure. These can become eruptive and alarming.
The initial site of exposure determines where symptoms first manifest. For instance:
- If transmission occurs through handshaking, lesions typically appear on the hands.
- If through kissing, around the mouth.
- If through sexual contact, lesions begin in the genital area.
Eventually, these symptoms spread across the body.
The virus also infects the lungs and gastrointestinal system, leading to more severe complications in some cases.
Related Viruses and Historical Context
Mpox is closely related to smallpox, which was eradicated globally by 1980 through mass vaccination. However, mpox continued to emerge, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where outbreaks occurred frequently.
Initially considered an “African disease,” recent outbreaks—especially among men who have sex with men (MSM)—triggered the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. In response, Western countries implemented aggressive vaccination campaigns targeting high-risk groups, particularly MSM.
The vaccines currently used against mpox were originally developed for smallpox, which is classified as a Category A bioterrorism agent. Despite smallpox being eradicated, mpox remains a significant health threat.
Mpox in Uganda
Uganda’s first confirmed mpox case was imported from the DRC in July 2024, in Western Uganda. A second case involved a truck driver in the Iganga-Mayuge region, who exposed numerous people. This marked the transition from imported to sporadic community cases, as the disease began to spread locally.
Communities most affected include sex workers—often operating in transit hubs like truck stops—and fishing communities. These groups are at elevated risk due to high levels of social contact and limited access to healthcare. The epidemic has increasingly urbanized, affecting town dwellers due to patterns of sexual transmission.
Initially, mpox was predominantly observed among MSM. However, the current outbreak shows a shift, with rising cases of heterosexual transmission.
Case Numbers and Severity
To date, Uganda has recorded approximately 61,000 confirmed cases and 41 deaths. Mpox tends to be more severe in individuals with compromised immune systems, including:
- People living with HIV (especially if poorly managed)
- Patients with chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and sickle cell disease
These populations are more likely to experience severe or fatal outcomes.
Vaccination Efforts
Vaccination efforts have prioritized high-risk groups and close contacts of confirmed cases. The first phase involved 10,000 doses, and a second phase delivered an additional 100,000 doses.
The vaccines are costly, with each dose priced at about $100, and an estimated $140 per dose when logistics and administration costs are included. This is significantly higher than many other vaccines used in Uganda, which often cost between $1–5 per dose.
CONCLUSION
- Traditional remedies are being explored for managing mpox symptoms, drawing on historical practices used during past smallpox outbreaks.
- Public health messages emphasize the importance of avoiding high-risk behaviors, such as unprotected sex and intimate contact with individuals whose health status is unknown.
- Preventive measures include regular handwashing, not sharing clothing, and avoiding close contact with people who may be at risk of infection.
MACKLEAN KYOMYA
Our organization (AWAC) is an umbrella network that works with grassroots female sex workers who face multiple and intersecting vulnerabilities. These include women who use or inject drugs, female sex workers living with disabilities, those who are aging and still working—some even post-menopause—sex workers living with HIV, and those in humanitarian settings. Each of these groups requires tailored interventions and meaningful inclusion in decision-making processes.
For the first time, we saw a successful intervention where sex workers were actively involved. The Ministry of Health invited us several times to participate in planning sessions at Lourdel House, alongside representatives from the State House, PEPFAR, KCCA, Ministry of Health, community leaders, and sex worker representatives from Greater Kampala.
A key question throughout the process was: Where are the sex workers? How many are there? If vaccines were being rolled out, who should be targeted? We shared all the necessary data through surveys and digital links.
In the early stages, the experience was difficult. We struggled to find resources and faced heavy stigma toward infected individuals. There was also confusion about accurate information—how mpox spreads, what symptoms to look for, and what actions to take.
We reached out for support. A global health security focal person helped orient us and connected with hotspots where clients had been identified. We sought refuge and support from drop-in centers funded by PEPFAR through CDC, and worked with implementing partners such as IDI, ROM, and Mulago Hospital.
People showing symptoms were often met with hostility; some were evicted from their homes by the police. This deeply affected business hotspots. Initially, neither the community nor health workers understood the disease. Some resorted to traditional herbs while others simply tried to manage it on their own.
Eventually, with support from American Jewish World Service, we engaged the Ministry of Health. Dr. Bennett, a surveillance officer, provided crucial training on mpox: what it is, how it manifests, the role of the community, signs and symptoms, and how to support those affected. However, early health communication was mostly facility-based and not tailored to community needs.
Later, we received support from Dr. Kyobe, the incident commander and State House focal person, who played a critical role in vaccine coordination. The Ministry of Health, WHO, PEPFAR, and KCCA all worked together to distribute vaccines among various organizations and areas of operation.
“Despite limited resources and vaccine doses, our network managed to vaccinate over 1,000 female sex workers in Rubaga alone within one week. According to our tracking, about 48 sex workers were infected, and we ensured they received treatment from reputable hospitals.”
However, challenges remained. We faced difficulties in accessing medication, food, and transportation. Contacting Ministry of Health officials for referrals was often unsuccessful, so we had to explore alternative referral mechanisms.
Conclusion
She emphasized the importance of safe spaces and support groups in helping sex workers cope and reintegrate into society. Skilling programs and health education sessions were highlighted as effective tools for trauma management and building resilience.
Lastly, the need for proper documentation—such as vaccination cards and proof of immunization—was stressed to ensure continuity of care and recognition in health systems.
AINEMBABAZI
Ainembabazi, a 27-year-old sex worker and mother of two, shared that since she and her friends were vaccinated against Mpox, the rate of transmission within their group and area has significantly decreased. She admitted that, at first, they were hesitant to get the vaccine, but eventually, they decided to go ahead with it.
Ainembabazi noted that she did not experience any visible side effects, as some had feared, apart from minor pain in her upper left arm, which disappeared within a few hours.
She urged the government to provide more vaccines for the public and encouraged her fellow sex workers to take the shot when it becomes available.
JAEL AND JACKIE: Solutions Journalism in Health reporting
Solutions journalism in health has a profound impact by offering accurate and reliable information to the public. Rather than focusing solely on problems, this approach emphasizes effective solutions, responses, and successes in healthcare.
Pillars of Solutions Journalism
Solutions journalism is grounded in four key principles:
- Response: Focuses on the actions taken to address a health problem.
- Insight: Highlights the lessons learned from the response and how these can be applied in other contexts.
- Evidence: Provides concrete data and qualitative results to demonstrate the effectiveness of the response.
- Limitations: Ensures a balanced perspective by acknowledging the challenges and constraints of the solution.
Benefits of Solutions Journalism in Health
- Increased Public Awareness: Sharing stories of successful health initiatives helps raise awareness and encourages positive behavioral change.
- Improved Health Literacy: Providing clear, accurate information enables individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
- Influencing Policy: By showcasing what works, solutions journalism can inform policy and drive systemic improvements.
- Building Trust: Highlighting progress and success can strengthen public confidence in the healthcare system.
Challenges Facing Health Journalism
- Limited Access to Information: Journalists often struggle to obtain timely, reliable data, which can hinder comprehensive health reporting.
- Lack of Specialized Training: Without adequate training, some journalists may misinterpret or oversimplify complex health topics.
- Balancing Scientific Accuracy and Storytelling: It can be challenging to maintain accuracy while making health stories engaging and accessible to a broad audience.
Best Practices for Solutions Journalism in Health
- Collaborate with Experts: Partnering with healthcare professionals ensures accuracy and adds credibility.
- Use Clear and Concise Language: Simplifying technical jargon makes health information more understandable to the general public.
- Incorporate Storytelling: Personal narratives make health issues more relatable and compelling.
Impact on Public Health
- Driving Research and Innovation: Highlighting successful initiatives can encourage investment in research and inspire new solutions.
- Promoting Positive Change: Solutions journalism can support the scaling of effective health programs and improve outcomes.
- Empowering Communities: By sharing local stories of resilience and innovation, solutions journalism fosters a sense of agency and community engagement.
