Residents in Busia County, particularly those living in the border region, have been advised to resume wearing face masks as the government officially launches a 10-day Mpox vaccination campaign targeting high-risk populations.
The vaccination directive comes amid rising concerns about the spike in Mpox cases spreading in cross-border zones.
The government is primarily targeting youths, long-distance drivers, and health officials in the vaccination drive.
“As we speak, surveillance and screening are ongoing at all points of entry. Uganda also started their vaccinations two or three days ago and has set up its vaccination points,” Joan Wanyanga, Mpox vaccination officer, said.
‘’We need to go back to handwashing, sanitising, and we also need to go back to wearing our masks wherever we are in crowds so that we can control the infection,’’ she continued.
The county currently has 68 cases of Mpox, with two fatalities, and the vaccination drive is targeting over 3,000 people, 1,500 of whom are from Matayos constituency, near the border. Vaccinations will also be conducted in Teso North.
The vaccination comes amid uproar from long-distance drivers under the Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA), who raised concerns over the vaccine.
The drivers argued that the government rushed to administer the vaccine, yet there was insufficient education and information about it and its safety, resulting in growing scepticism.
However, as the vaccination began, the youth and a section of drivers praised the county, noting that education on the vaccine had been ongoing. Residents argue that the vaccine would help suppress the surging spread of the disease.
Meanwhile, residents have called on the county government to warn business owners to maintain a clean environment to help fight the disease.
‘’We would like to urge the Ministry of Health to concentrate on those cleaning the hotels and lodgings to ensure they do a good job; they are the biggest culprits,’’ another resident said.
The county has called on drivers, residents, and all those at risk to show up for the vaccine.
