Battle against M Pox receives 43Million UGX boost.

In the Chefferie de Kakwa community of Ituri Province, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a significant advancement in healthcare has been realized. ACAV Uganda with funding from Provincia Autonoma di Trento, has provided medical supplies valued at 43 million UGX (approximately $11,000). 

This initiative, part of ACAV's Emergency Response to Combat Mpox project. The handover, attended by the chief, health officials, Civil Society and development officers was part of ACAV’s its Emergency Response to combat M Pox project. “ACAV is well known for its interventions in agriculture and livelihood, we are not very known for health initiatives. 

But health is very important, when people are sick, they cannot go to the farm,” said Isaac Amule, Project Manager, ACAV Uganda.

 Since December 2024, the project has also trained health officials to improve their diagnostic and treatment capabilities, drilled 4 boreholes & constructed 5 wells to ensure communities have access to clean water, thereby reducing waterborne diseases and facilitated awareness campaigns to educate the public about mpox prevention and control measures. 

These efforts aim to empower local communities with the resources and knowledge necessary to manage and prevent health crises effectively.The mpox outbreak has severely impacted Central and Eastern Africa. Since January 1, 2024, over 21,000 cases and more than 65 deaths have been reported in the DRC and neighbouring countries. The situation is particularly challenging in regions like Eastern DRC, where poverty, displacement and conflict exacerbate health vulnerabilities.