The British High Commission in Kampala has officially announced a substantial funding package of £1 million (approximately SHS 4.9 billion) to bolster Uganda’s response to the ongoing Mpox outbreak. This financial assistance will be directed towards two key partners: Baylor College of Medicine and the Infectious Disease Institute. The funding aligns with the Government of Uganda’s comprehensive Mpox response plan, reflecting a strategic collaboration aimed at effectively combating the outbreak.
The allocated funds are intended to enhance the coordination of response efforts, improve surveillance systems, and strengthen risk communication and community engagement initiatives across the affected regions. By focusing on these critical areas, the UK government aims to ensure a well-rounded and efficient response to the public health crisis.
Philip Smith, the acting British High Commissioner to Uganda, highlighted the necessity of partnership in addressing the outbreak. “It is crucial that we work with the Government of Uganda to counter this outbreak. We are pleased to announce this additional funding is being released immediately to support a timely response. The UK’s support will work in affected districts to improve the response to the outbreak on the ground. The UK will stand with the Government and people of Uganda in tackling this outbreak,” he stated, underlining the commitment to collaborative action.
Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng welcomed the support, expressing appreciation for the enduring partnership between Uganda and the UK. “We acknowledge that our collaboration with the UK dates back several years. The UK has always been a key partner with the Government of Uganda in our outbreak response. We appreciate the £1 million contribution through our implementing partners, Baylor Uganda and the Infectious Disease Institute, in efficiently responding to the Mpox outbreak,” Aceng remarked, emphasizing the importance of this continued cooperation.
This latest funding builds on previous UK assistance to Uganda, including £2.2 million (approximately SHS 9.3 billion) provided in October 2022 to support the government’s response to the Ebola outbreak. Furthermore, between 2018 and 2020, the UK contributed nearly £10 million (over SHS 40 billion) to bolster Uganda’s preparedness for Ebola, significantly enhancing the government’s capacity to respond to public health emergencies. Notably, ambulances purchased by the UK and donated to the Uganda Red Cross are now actively deployed in response efforts, showcasing the tangible impact of this long-standing partnership.