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.
Due to the increasing number of Congolese citizens accessing services in Uganda through porous borders, leaders from the greater Nebbi districts, including Pakwach, Nebbi, and Zombo, have urged the government to allocate disaster preparedness emergency funds to prevent the spread of monkeypox.
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.
Atim highlighted the precedent set during the COVID-19 pandemic when health facilities nationwide were overwhelmed. She stressed that preemptive funding would enable a prompt response to any potential monkeypox cases, even though the current reported cases are few. "Our health facilities and schools in Zombo are congested with many Congolese who are not accounted for in the district's limited resources," she added.
Dr. Justine Okwairwoth, Acting District Health Officer (ADHO) of Nebbi, underscored the inadequacy of current disaster preparedness measures. He called for prioritizing the health sector's capacity to manage outbreaks effectively. "We need to prepare, as monkeypox is becoming a national health threat. The Ministry of Health must allocate emergency funds," Dr. Okwairwoth stated.
Padyere County's Member of Parliament, Mr. Isaka Otimgiwi, also advocated for immediate action, particularly for districts bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. He urged the Ministry of Health to provide emergency funding and establish surveillance teams at the borders. "This is the right time to be vigilant and ensure our border districts receive special consideration and increased health budgets to manage the associated risks," Otimgiwi said.
He further emphasized that Pakwach, Nebbi, and Zombo districts need additional funding because the health risks of being near international borders come with significant costs. "The government should allocate more funds to border districts to address these health risks effectively," Otimgiwi concluded.
Okaba Patrick
Freelancer