Uganda Scientists Study Traditional Herbs for Mpox Treatment Amid Drug Gaps
Research Initiative Launched as Global Treatments Prove Ineffective
KAMPALA, UGANDA – Ugandan scientists are launching groundbreaking research into traditional herbal remedies being used to combat Mpox, as the viral disease continues spreading across parts of the country. This initiative comes in response to the limited effectiveness of global treatments against the local strain of the virus.
Addressing Treatment Gaps
Dr. Misaki Wayengera, chairperson of the Ministry of Health’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Epidemics and Dangerous Pathogens, explained that the study was prompted by two critical factors:
- The absence of widely effective conventional treatments
- Limited access to vaccines for the population
“While tecovirimat is globally approved for Mpox treatment, it’s ineffective against the clade 1b strain circulating in Uganda,” Dr. Wayengera stated during a media engagement organized by the Health Journalists Network in Uganda (HEJNU).
Traditional Remedies Under Scientific Scrutiny
The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation is collaborating with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to:
- Identify active ingredients in traditional plant-based remedies
- Evaluate their therapeutic potential
- Assess possibilities for formal medical application
Uganda’s Mpox Epidemic: Current Status
Uganda ranks among Africa’s top three countries for Mpox cases, accounting for over 20% of continental cases last week alone (160 new infections). Dr. Ngashi Ngongo of Africa CDC reported concerning trends:
| Areas with Rising Cases | Areas Showing Decline |
|---|---|
| Masaka | Kampala |
| Hoima | Wakiso |
| Mbarara | |
| Mukono |
Current Response Strategies
Uganda’s health authorities are implementing a dual approach:
- Supportive care for confirmed patients
- Targeted vaccination of high-risk groups (particularly sex workers)
However, Dr. Wayengera cautioned that vaccination efforts remain insufficient to control the outbreak effectively.
Epidemic Statistics
Since the outbreak began, Uganda has recorded:
- 5,723 confirmed Mpox cases
- 40 deaths (50% occurring among HIV-positive individuals)
This research into traditional medicine represents a crucial step in Uganda’s fight against Mpox, particularly as conventional treatments fail against the local strain.