Hon. Dr. Musenero Monica, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, has today officially opened the Interdisciplinary Consortium for Epidemic Research (ICER) Symposium on Mpox in Kampala, Uganda.
The event is taking place from October 1-3, 2024, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda, in a blended online and physical format.
Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, Uganda’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, officially opened the symposium and emphasised Uganda’s commitment to leading the fight against Mpox.
“The ICER Symposium marks a critical milestone in our collective fight against Mpox. Together, we will harness science, technology, and innovation to protect our communities,” said Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero.
“Uganda’s commitment to combating Mpox is unwavering. We will continue to leverage research, collaboration, and expertise to drive global response efforts,” she added.
The symposium brought together renowned experts such as Professor Bruce Kirenga, Director of Makerere University Lung Institute, among others who emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing Mpox.
“Mpox research necessitates an interdisciplinary approach. The ICER Symposium promotes collaboration and expedites progress. Uganda’s research community is leading the way in the Mpox response; we are honoured to host this significant event,” said Professor Bruce Kirenga.
The ongoing Mpox outbreak, originating in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has prompted global health organisations to declare it a public health emergency.
On July 24, 2024, Uganda officially declared the first instances of Mpox. This came about after the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) used a regular sentinel surveillance system to confirm the cases of two case-patients from Kasese District’s Bwera Hospital.
The ICER symposium will focus on key themes such as Mpox research landscape, cross-border control strategies, research financing, ethics, and regulatory landscape.
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