Baylor College of Medicine
Children’s Foundation - Uganda
Children’s Foundation - Uganda
Public health threats, especially infectious diseases are becoming increasingly common. It is therefore essential to equip the future generations with the knowledge and practical skills to address these threats, such as Mpox, which the country is currently facing. After Nakasongola District registered its first Mpox case on September 9, 2024, the cases surged to 41 by the end of October 2024. Today it is one of the most affected districts cases with over 68 cases. Owing to this increase in cases, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation (Baylor Foundation Uganda) with funding from the UK Government is implementing a school-based approach to empower young advocates with practical skills to play a pivotal role in curbing the spread of Mpox in their communities.
In November 2024, the team collaborated with school administrators to gather school-going children every evening before they return to their homes to emphasise the importance of good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. The children were also taught how to recognise Mpox symptoms, 
report them promptly to guardians and teachers and seek medical attention when necessary.
The health education team further worked with Village Health Teams and teachers to facilitate discussions and debates on essential Mpox prevention topics like signs and symptoms, effective prevention measures, and the reporting process. Nyanzi (not real name) aged 12 in Primary Six and head of the debate club shared his excitement about the new debating club topics focused on monkeypox. “I am excited because this will encourage many students to visit the library or read the posters we’ve been given and learn more about Mpox,” he said.
During the visit to Nakayonza Primary School, the health education team trained pupils to share knowledge about Mpox with their peers and in the communities. The team emphasised risk prevention through hygiene, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and safe caregiving practices.
Baylor has adopted an approach that focuses on empowering pupils on monkeypox through education, critical thinking, and practical engagement. This approach equips them with knowledge and information to be able to share it with the wider community, thus promoting health literacy and proactive disease prevention measures.
Through a school-based approach, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Baylor Foundation Uganda through supported by UKAID, has sensitized 365,673 learners and 8,706 teachers across 643 schools in seven Mpox affected districts.
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