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Report On Contribution of MARPI On Mpox

Sticky 31/03/2025 No comments yet
  1. Introduction:

The Most At Risk Populations Initiative (MARPI) has been at the forefront of responding to the Mpox outbreak in Uganda, particularly within the Kampala Metropolitan Area (KMA). As a community-centered initiative, MARPI focuses on addressing health challenges faced by marginalized and vulnerable populations, including sex workers, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and other high-risk groups. Through partnerships with national health authorities, international organizations such as WHO, and local stakeholders, MARPI has played a pivotal role in reducing Mpox transmission through vaccination, surveillance, risk communication, and community mobilization.

  1. Objectives:
  • To vaccinate high-risk populations in KMA, reducing the spread of Mpox.
  • To raise awareness about Mpox and its prevention, particularly among marginalized communities.
  • To engage local stakeholders, healthcare workers, and community leaders to ensure an effective and coordinated response.
  • To collaborate with national and international health organizations to ensure equitable vaccine access.
  1. Methodology:

MARPI implemented a community-based approach to the Mpox vaccination campaigns. In collaboration with the Division Mpox Task Force, the initiative worked closely with local healthcare workers, peer educators, and community leaders to identify, educate, and mobilize high-risk populations. Health workers provided education and guidance on the vaccine’s importance, while MARPI coordinated vaccination logistics to ensure efficient distribution to vulnerable groups.

  1. Key Activities:
  • Mobilization of High-Risk Populations: MARPI, in partnership with local authorities and community groups, identified high-risk individuals such as sex workers, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and other marginalized groups. Over 9,000 individuals from these populations received the first dose of the Mpox vaccine.
  • Vaccination Campaigns: Vaccination efforts were focused on areas with high concentrations of high-risk groups. Health workers administered vaccines, ensuring that individuals received clear information on the importance of the vaccine in preventing further Mpox transmission.
  • Education and Awareness: MARPI conducted extensive risk communication campaigns, reaching over 131,000 individuals in brothels, markets, bars, and other hotspots. The initiative used culturally appropriate messaging to dispel myths, address concerns, and encourage safer practices among high-risk populations.
  • Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: MARPI worked with community leaders, healthcare workers, and local organizations to enhance participation in vaccination and Mpox prevention activities. Training sessions were held for community gatekeepers, peer educators, and CSO leaders to ensure widespread knowledge and engagement.
  1. Results:
  • Vaccination Reach: Over 9,000 high-risk individuals in the KMA received the first dose of the Mpox vaccine.
  • Increased Awareness: MARPI’s risk communication efforts reached over 131,000 individuals, significantly reducing the stigma and misinformation surrounding Mpox. At-risk populations were better informed about how to prevent transmission and protect themselves.
  • Enhanced Community Engagement: The initiative fostered strong community support through local stakeholder engagement, enabling effective response coordination and greater community involvement in Mpox prevention and detection efforts.
  • Improved Surveillance and Contact Tracing: MARPI’s surveillance efforts identified over 746 suspected Mpox cases, of which 598 were confirmed. The early detection and prompt referral of cases helped prevent further spread of the disease.
  1. Challenges:
  • Vaccine Hesitancy: Some individuals were hesitant about vaccination due to misinformation and fears surrounding the vaccine. However, through targeted education and community engagement, these concerns were addressed, resulting in a higher vaccine uptake.
  • Logistical Challenges: Reaching remote and hard-to-access areas posed some logistical difficulties. Nevertheless, MARPI’s strong community ties and partnerships with local leaders helped overcome these barriers to ensure vaccines were distributed efficiently.
  1. Conclusion:

MARPI’s active involvement in the Mpox vaccination campaigns in KMA has been instrumental in protecting high-risk populations and curbing the spread of the virus. The initiative’s comprehensive approach, which included mobilizing vulnerable populations, providing education, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines, has contributed significantly to the national response. By reaching over 9,000 individuals with the first dose of the Mpox vaccine and educating over 131,000 people on preventive measures, MARPI has made a substantial impact in reducing Mpox transmission and fostering community participation.

  1. Recommendations:
  • Continued Education: Ongoing efforts to educate vulnerable communities about Mpox prevention and vaccination are essential for maintaining awareness and building trust in health interventions.
  • Expanding Outreach: Greater focus on expanding outreach to other hard-to-reach populations and regions is recommended to ensure that all high-risk individuals are vaccinated.
  • Strengthening Partnerships: Continued collaboration with local and international health organizations will help sustain effective response coordination and resource mobilization.
  1. Acknowledgements:

We would like to express our gratitude to the MoH, Kampala division Mpox Task Force, WHO, UNDP, healthcare workers, community leaders, and all local and international stakeholders who supported the vaccination campaigns and Mpox response efforts. Their collective efforts have been vital in the successful implementation of these activities, ensuring the health and safety of vulnerable communities in the KMA.