Zombo's Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC), Atim Grace, emphasized that free and uncontrolled cross-border movement of Congolese nationals seeking healthcare in Uganda poses a potential risk for a monkeypox outbreak. "Given the influx of Congolese entering Uganda, the threat of a rapid spread of monkeypox is real, and disaster preparedness funds are crucial," Atim said.
Uganda is ranked 15th globally and first in Africa among countries most affected by natural disasters, according to a report by Statistica.com, in which Uganda is listed as a country prone to floods, landslides, droughts, locusts, windstorms, hailstorms and lightning. While the report notes that there were no earthquakes in Uganda, the country is hugely vulnerable.
This is according to a series of tests conducted by the COVID-19 task force after complaints raised by beneficiaries of the relief food, distributed in the first week. The food sent by the office of the Prime Minister, is targeting households whose livelihood was disrupted by the various measures instituted to control the spread of COVID-19.
