The Ministry of education and Sports has issued guidelines and standard operating procedures aimed at preventing the spread of Mpox (monkeypox) in educational institutions. In a circular addressed to all heads of institutions and other stakeholders, Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda, the new permanent secretary at the Education Ministry noted that the guidelines have been developed to ensure that the outbreak doesn’t disrupt ongoing school activities. “.
..the Ministry of Education and Sports together with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF who have developed guidelines for schools on prevention, detection, and control of Mpox in school settings to keep learners and staff safe and also avoid disruption of ongoing school activities,” the circular seen by our reporter reads in part.
In the circular, the ministry has issued five key guidelines to school heads aimed at preventing the spread of Mpox. These measures echo those previously implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines emphasize the importance of cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces at least once a day.
Schools are required to ensure that both learners and staff have access to soap and water for handwashing, or provide hand sanitisers as an alternative. Additionally, the ministry encouraged schools to promote practices that limit or prevent the sharing of personal items, including bedding and eating utensils. Schools were also told to identify isolation spaces for assessing students or staff who may be ill or suspe.