The United States, through the CDC, has donated 5,000 laboratory test kits valued at $265,000 (approximately Shs970 million) to Uganda’s Ministry of Health to aid Mpox diagnosis as cases rise in the country. During the handover, U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp emphasized the need for resources, noting that skilled personnel require proper tools to effectively manage the outbreak.
“This donation is part of our broader $4 million initiative to enhance surveillance, risk communication, and contact tracing,” Ambassador Popp added.
Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng expressed gratitude for the U.S. support, affirming Uganda’s commitment to controlling the outbreak, with over 200 Mpox cases and one reported death so far.
The CDC’s contribution builds on previous U.S. assistance, now totaling over $4 million (Shs14 billion) since August, aimed at strengthening Uganda’s public health infrastructure. The donated kits will be allocated to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and Uganda National Health Laboratory Services (UNHLS), raising the total test kits provided by the U.S. CDC to 10,000.
This assistance aligns with ongoing efforts to improve Uganda’s diagnostic capabilities, which include enhanced surveillance at entry points and an increase in accredited laboratories from 15 in 2017 to over 70 today.
