By Steven Enatu
SOROTI CITY
The Mpox vaccination campaign has kicked off in Soroti City and across the Teso sub-region, targeting road transport operators and their host communities.
The Uganda Professional Drivers’ Network, working with the Ministry of Health, has delivered thousands of vaccine doses along the Eastern transport corridor from Kampala through Mukono, Jinja, Iganga, Bugiri, Busia, Tororo, Mbale, Kumi, Soroti up to the Kenyan border.
In Teso, Soroti City has received 5,000 doses, Soroti District 6,000 doses, while Kumi District has 6,000 doses.
The vaccines are mainly being administered to truck drivers, taxi operators, boda boda riders, and other high-risk groups due to their exposure in crowded and mobile work environments.
Soroti City Health Officer Dr. Alfred Anyonga says the city has mapped out hotspots like bus parks and truck stages where the vaccinations are taking place.
He emphasized that although the exercise is focusing on specific interest groups, the disease can affect anyone through body contact and public gatherings.
“We are starting the vaccination exercise here in Soroti, targeting groups that are highly exposed like truck drivers, taxi operators and other categories. These people can easily transmit the virus back into the community because of the nature of their work.” He said.
Dr. Anyonga further explained that Soroti alone has about 5,000 doses, part of the 11,000 allocated to the wider Teso region, and the campaign will run for seven days.
“We began today Friday 29th August 2025. The vaccine is administered by injection in the left arm. Each person is receiving one dose, which is very effective in giving protection. If more supplies come later, we shall consider second doses, but for now one shot is enough.” Anyonga said.
Mpox is a viral disease spread mainly through contact with body fluids, sweat, saliva, or close physical contact. The Ministry of Health says this campaign is part of efforts to keep transport corridors safe and to stop the spread of infectious diseases in Uganda.
